Ed Washington

Ed Washington runs the Connellsville branch of Whit's End. He spent years as a toy-company executive, beloved for filling shops with gadgets for kids to test, before giving up a promotion to take the job. His true gift is playing with children, and he trades security for that work gladly. He and his wife Elaine have been married more than two decades and share a deep Christian faith. They are the parents of Marvin and Tamika, and their household in the old McAlister place stays open to others, including a troubled runaway named Kelly. Ed is warm, corny, and playful, fond of goofy inventions, elaborate surprises, and spectacular belly flops. His antics sometimes embarrass his own kids, though other children wish their fathers were more like him.