U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles) announced that her son-in-law, Earl Lynn Titus, the husband of her daughter, Karen Waters Titus, passed away on January 17, after a massive heart attack.
Affectionately known as “Johnny,” Titus was an outreach manager at the Weingart Center, an organization that provides services to the homeless in the Skid Row area of downtown Los Angeles. Prior to his 10 years of service at the Weingart Center, he provided outreach services to homeless veterans at U.S. Vets for 13 years.
Mr. Titus was known for his outgoing personality and was a favorite of the clients at U.S. Vets. Also, he was a wonderful father of four and a doting grandfather of 22, who spent as much time as possible with his grandchildren.
He spent his early years in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he was an accomplished high school athlete warmly known as “Showboat” for his flashy play as a starting tailback and defensive back on the football field. He was also a well-known sports enthusiast and an avid jazz aficionado who could recognize the music of most jazz artists of the past 35 years.
When he came to Los Angeles, Earl Titus became a member of Greater New Bethel Baptist Church in Inglewood and developed into a community and civil rights activist who opened doors for Blacks to serve as waiters in some of LA’s finest restaurants.
Mr. Titus was a role model and mentored many young people who he encouraged to pursue their ambitions; so much so that they called him “Uncle Earl.” Congresswoman Waters said he was dearly loved by the Titus and Waters families and was her particular favorite.
Services were pending at press time.
