He was born November 15, 1952, in New Orleans, Louisiana to Mary Ann Heard and Thomas Washington. He found his soul mate and partner for life when he married Dora Acosta of Douglas, Arizona.
Melvin graduated from Las Vegas High School and received his Bachelors of Science degree in Education from the University of Colorado. He began his career in Clark County School District teaching at Las Vegas HS, Rancho HS, Western HS, and retired from Desert Pines High School in 2010. During his high school career he coached football, girls and boys basketball, boys and girls track where he earned several division and state championships. Throughout his career he was awarded Coach of the Year for Track and Basketball, in addition, he was a recipient of the NBA Summer League Hall of Fame Award. His legacy is the impact he made with the students he taught, the players he coached, and his love and devotion to his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Dora; his son Bobby “Pudge” Henderson; brother Greg Heard; sisters Faye Heard and Gail Williams; aunt Allie Mae Brown; mother-in-law Mercedes Acosta; sisters and brothers-in law; and 35 nieces and nephews and many cousins that brought him much joy.
Visitation is set for 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. and Funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 7, 2019 at Palm Eastern Mortuary.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmeastern.com for the Washington family.
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