PHILADEPHIA, PA—Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. announces the passing of the 96th Elder Watson Diggs Awardee of Kappa Alpha Psi, Earl Thomas Tildon, on Saturday, August 26, 2023. Tildon, a native of Washington, D.C., matriculated at Central State College, earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1959.
Vocationally, he worked at the U.S. Department of Defense. Tildon was a career civil servant who actively worked to break down racial barriers and injustices prevalent in Washington, D.C. He was an active member of the Congress of Racial Equality and was a supporter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the Urban League, and the NAACP.
Tildon was a member of the Prince Hall Masons and served in the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia for over 30 years. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, was raised to the 33rd-degree level, and was elected president of the national 33rd-degree class. Additionally, Tildon was a member of the Prince Hall Shriners and served in various positions at Mecca Temple No. 10 in Washington, D.C.
He was a 1955 initiate of the Central State College Chapter, the Delta Zeta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi (EC). He has held membership with the Washington (DC), Hyattsville/Landover (MD), and Winter Park (FL) Alumni Chapters. A Life Member of the fraternity, he faithfully served in the administrations of five Grand Polemarchs, providing essential counsel and review of manuscripts. He acted as an operating assistant within his province and served for 21 years on the national level as Chairman of the Publicity and Publications Commission.
The Grand Polemarch Jimmy McMikle stated, “We have lost a giant in the world of Kappa Alpha Psi, a true treasure whose life stands as a shining example of dedicated service to our fraternity. Anyone privileged to spend time with him is better because they knew him. All who knew him will cherish the greatness of a man who will live on in our hearts and minds forever.” He has called for an observance of 30 days of official mourning in adherence to our protocol standards. The Fraternity conveys our deepest sympathy to the Tildon family and requests that all keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this hour of bereavement.
ATTIRE:
We request that Brothers wear BLACK SUITS, white shirt, and Red/Crimson neckties.
Brothers will be seated together in the sanctuary for services.
STREAMING OPTIONS:
Services will be streamed via youtube, and can be accessed here.
GIFTS
In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate any gifts be sent to:
In the memory of Earl Thomas Tildon
Kenard Lang Foundationhttp://kenardlangfoundation.org
P.O. Box 680158, Orlando, Florida 32868-0158