Herbert Eugene Washburn's Obituary
Herbert Eugene Washburn, 94, of Chanute, KS passed away on February 27, 2019. Born on January 8, 1925 near Chanute, he was one of eight children born to George Washburn, Sr. and Fannie Decamp Washburn. Herbert married Donna Dewey on June 23, 1946 at the First Christian Church in Chanute, KS. The couple had two boys, Wayne and Dale. She preceded him in death after 53 years of marriage on October 24, 1989. After her death, his longtime friend and companion, Ruth Martin, passed away on September 2, 2006 and Cleo Uden passed away on September 20, 2010.
Herbert married Golda Mae Alford-Taylor-Richter on October 19, 2013 in the Washburn home. She survives at their home.
After graduating from Chanute High School in 1943, Herbert immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 18. He served in World War II in England, France, and Germany. As part of his two-year enlistment, he served 18 months in the 442nd Troop Carrier Group Army 9th Air Force and received the distinguished Unit Emblem with 3 Oak Leaf Cluster for their part in the D-Day invasion of Southern France, The Battle of the Bulge, and the Crossing of the Rhine River. Herbert re-enlisted and served from 1950-1952 in the 835th Engineer Aviation Battalion during the Korean War.
Herbert worked and retired from the Bell Telephone Company after 40 years, most of which was spent in Chanute, KS. Before retiring, Herb started an apple orchard and later started a Christmas tree operation east of Chanute. He enjoyed his work, loved to fish, spent many hours helping the American Legion, and proudly served his community in many capacities. He enjoyed lifetime memberships as part of the Valley of Ft. Scott Scottish Rite, VFW Post 1654 of Chanute, and Elks #806. He was an active life member of the American Legion Post #170, serving as Post Commander twice from 1968-1969 and 1988-1989 and was a member of the Honor Guard for many years. Herb and Jim Woods were the organizers of the Chanute Youth Baseball in 1953. Herb was the manager of the successful American Legion Baseball team for 6 years and he also helped the young men find summer jobs. Herbert was also a member of Shrine Club of Chanute, Mirza Shriners of Pittsburg, KS, Cedar Lodge #103, and the First Christian Church in Chanute where he enjoyed volunteering for the food pantry for many years.
Survivors include:
Wife:
Golda Mae Washburn of the home
Sons:
Wayne Washburn and wife Nancy
Dale Washburn and wife Gayle
Stepchildren:
Larry J. Taylor and wife Karen of Garden City, KS
Kathryn E. Taylor of Chanute, KS
Rick Taylor Chanute, KS
Grandchildren:
Matthew Washburn and wife Jennie
Mitchell Washburn and significant other Sarah Cisneros
Summer Washburn
Elisa Washburn
Step-Grandchild:
Chris A Taylor and wife Felicia
Great Grandchildren:
Chandler Schmutz
Asher Schmutz
William Jonathan Washburn
Step Great-Grandchildren:
Tripp Taylor
Drey Taylor
Siblings:
Margaret Wilson and husband Eugene of Burlington, WA
Sister-in-Law:
Jane Washburn of Albuquerque, NM
Numerous Nieces and Nephews
Herbert was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, George, Jr., Charles, Donald “Sparky” and Sam; and sisters, Grace Jordan and Vera Harner.
Herbert’s body was donated to the University of Kansas Medical Center. A memorial service will take place at First Christian Church in Chanute, KS on Friday, March 8, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. The family will hold a celebration of life service at American Legion Post #170 in Chanute, KS starting at 7:30 p.m. The Chanute Honor Guard and the American Legion Riders will be in charge of military honors. Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com. The family suggests memorials to be made to the First Christian Church or American Legion Post #170 and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home Arrangements have been entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 101 N. Highland, Chanute, KS 66720.
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