DEFIANCE, OH – Harvey Washington, age 89, of Defiance, was called to his heavenly home on Monday, July 14, 2025. Harvey was born on April 22, 1936, to the late Henry and Mary Ellen Washington, in Lackawanna, NY, a city outside of Buffalo. He attended and graduated from Lackawanna High School. After graduation he joined the United States Army. After serving a couple of years, he began his long history with General Motors. He began working at GM in 1964 and in 1984 was transferred to the GM plant in Defiance, OH. He continued his employment there until December 30, 2000, retiring after 50 years of employment.

Harvey met his wife, Sharon Riding, on one of his trips back to Buffalo, NY. They started a long-distance relationship that evolved into marriage in July of 1990. Sharon then relocated to Defiance, OH to be with her husband.

Harvey attended Galilee Missionary Baptist Church for several years in Defiance, but changed his affiliation to Greater Progressive Baptist Church in Fort Wayne, IN under Pastor Anthony Pettus. Harvey was an avid reader, who read all types of books from romance to mysteries, as well as documentaries. He could read an entire book in one sitting, whether he was at home or in the Cubillo at GM. Harvey also loved to roller skate and if you knew him, you probably saw him skating in the parking lot of Kroger’s in his younger days. He was also a regular bowler but had to stop when his balance no longer let him continue. He was a jazz enthusiast which fit right into the Riding family, as Sharon’s dad was a jazz musician. Harvey loved hanging out with Sharon’s dad every chance he had when visiting Buffalo.

Harvey was a man of few words, but when he spoke, he did not mince words. If you don’t want his honest opinion, don’t ask!

Harvey leaves behind his wife of 35 years, Sharon Washington; children, Denise Chisolm, Renee (Larry) Shakir, Michele (Edward “JP”) Peterson, Harvey Dylan Washington, and Derek Jackson; grandchildren, Michael Washington, Candice Payne, Jada Peterson, Jamaria Peterson, Jovan Peterson, Nakea Jackson, Dylan Nigelle Washington, Deschana L. Washington, and Halim D. Johnson; 5 great grandchildren; niece, Joyce Snow of Buffalo, NY, as well as a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 12:30-1:30 PM at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, 1544 Ottawa Ave, Defiance, OH 43512. A funeral service will follow on Wednesday at the church at 1:30 PM, officiated by Pastor Cleven Jones. Flowers may be delivered to the church on Wednesday between 10:30 AM-12:30 PM. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the church, in honor of Harvey. For additional information and to view Harvey’s online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.




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