Laurence Washco
1938 - 2025
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Invite friends and family to read the obituary and add memories.
Laurence "Larry" Stephen Washco, born August 24, 1938, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, passed away on September 19, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. Laurence was known for his quiet nature, curiosity, diverse hobbies, and knowledge, especially of plants.
Larry grew up in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and was one of four children. As a youth, he loved baseball and was an Eagle Scout. After graduating from Souderton High School in 1956, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served his country. Upon discharge in 1959, he moved to Houston, Texas, to begin his career and attend college. He met and married Ernestine Marie May in July of 1961. He worked in a Cooperative Program with NASA, which sparked his love of space and technology. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree as an Electrical Engineer from the University of Houston in 1971 and specialized in satellite communications.
Laurence's interests were wide-ranging—from trains and railroad history to ancient Egyptian art, gardening, Christmas traditions, baking, and his love of all things Star Wars. He was an avid reader who found joy in the novels of Charles Dickens, J.R.R. Tolkien, historical novels, as well as spy novels. Classical music was a steady presence in his life, and he especially enjoyed going to the movies — often followed by ice cream.
In retirement, Larry was certified as a Master Gardener and he used his talents at Buchanan's Native Plants to fulfill a long-held dream. He brought the same precision and focus to cultivating plants and vegetables that he had to his earlier career in technology. He also loved to bake around the holidays, and carried on a tradition started by his mother, baking plum puddings and homemade cookies. He lived fully through his work and his hobbies.
He is survived by his daughters, Catherine Welpton and Alison Washco, and his sisters, Nancy Washco and Kathleen Behrhorst. His calm presence, quick wit, welcoming smile, and big hugs will truly be missed. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Harris County Master Gardener Association. There will be a private memorial to celebrate his life at a later date.
Larry grew up in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and was one of four children. As a youth, he loved baseball and was an Eagle Scout. After graduating from Souderton High School in 1956, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served his country. Upon discharge in 1959, he moved to Houston, Texas, to begin his career and attend college. He met and married Ernestine Marie May in July of 1961. He worked in a Cooperative Program with NASA, which sparked his love of space and technology. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree as an Electrical Engineer from the University of Houston in 1971 and specialized in satellite communications.
Laurence's interests were wide-ranging—from trains and railroad history to ancient Egyptian art, gardening, Christmas traditions, baking, and his love of all things Star Wars. He was an avid reader who found joy in the novels of Charles Dickens, J.R.R. Tolkien, historical novels, as well as spy novels. Classical music was a steady presence in his life, and he especially enjoyed going to the movies — often followed by ice cream.
In retirement, Larry was certified as a Master Gardener and he used his talents at Buchanan's Native Plants to fulfill a long-held dream. He brought the same precision and focus to cultivating plants and vegetables that he had to his earlier career in technology. He also loved to bake around the holidays, and carried on a tradition started by his mother, baking plum puddings and homemade cookies. He lived fully through his work and his hobbies.
He is survived by his daughters, Catherine Welpton and Alison Washco, and his sisters, Nancy Washco and Kathleen Behrhorst. His calm presence, quick wit, welcoming smile, and big hugs will truly be missed. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Harris County Master Gardener Association. There will be a private memorial to celebrate his life at a later date.
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