Donald Wayne “Don” Washburn, of Columbia, Mississippi, was at his home when he passed into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at the age of 88. He was born on a farm in Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan to Sarah Mabel Claypool and Elmer Jay Washburn where he was raised. In 1975 he moved to Greenfield, Tennessee and later to Columbia, Tennessee where he met his wife Judy. He worked as a carpenter, electrician, and plumber until he retired. He was a family man who loved his family dearly. He loved playing the guitar, singing, and writing poetry. He was passionate about the outdoors, maintaining a trapline for the family to this day.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Doris Ann Washburn; brothers and sisters, Neil Washburn, George Alford Washburn, Leo Washburn, Edith Mae Nelson, Irene Belle Arnold, Gertrude Cora Weaver, Verna Washburn, Leona Evelyn Flamond. Don is survived by his wife, Judy Julia Washburn of Columbia; a daughter, Kimberly Dawn (Phillip) Dressler of Greenfield, Tennessee; two stepdaughters, Amelia Ann Reed of Pearl, Mississippi and Tracy Stanley (Josh) Williams of Shelbyville, Tennessee; two step-sons, Thomas Butler (Crystal) Stanley of Columbia, Mississippi and Otis (Sherry) Smith of Petal, Mississippi; a brother, Claude Washburn; sister-in-law, Hazel Washburn; twelve grandchildren, James Allen Gammons, Brandon Lee Gammons, Phillip Avery Lee Dressler, Lakin Savannah Nicole Dressler, Trey Stanley, Kayla Connie Nguyen, Rachel Lynn Livingston, Cameron Reese Stanley, Nick Patterson, Brittany Smith, Tommy Lee Williams, Kelsie Williams Prater; seventeen great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
There will be a funeral service for Don at Colonial Funeral Home in Columbia on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 11:00am. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00am until service time. The funeral service will be officiated by Reverend Mack Harrison and Reverend Burl Livingston. Don will be laid to rest in Morris Cemetery in Greenfield, Tennessee.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials in Don’s honor to be made to the Marion County Animal Shelter. 177 Airport Road, Columbia, Mississippi 39429.
