William McDonald "Bill" Washburn

William McDonald “Bill” Washburn, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather was born in the San Pedro community of Grapeland, TX September 3, 1926 and passed away on March 8, 2025 in Columbus, TX. He grew up on a farm until moving to Houston with his mother in 1942. After graduating from Lamar High School, Bill attended the University of Houston for a semester, and was then accepted by King’s Point, the Merchant Marine Academy in New York. During the war, Bill made five trans-Atlantic crossings as a Merchant Marine aboard the ship Grand River. After the war, Bill returned to the University of Houston where he earned a degree in Petroleum Engineering. It was at the main Engineering Building that he met his future wife, Jannine Schmitt, who was the Dean’s secretary.

After graduation, Bill and Jeannine were married in Houston. Bill went on to work for his stepfather, Pernie Bailey, a Houston drilling contractor. The young couple moved from one small town to another in South Texas to stay close to the rigs, finally ending up back in Houston. When Pernie died in 1962, Bill took over the business and built it up; he worked his entire career for Pernie Bailey Drilling Co.

Bill enjoyed working with the Boy Scouts, the YMCA and his church. He loved reading about history, especially the Civil War, and enjoyed antique cars, trains and cattle ranching. Although he lived in Houston, he never forgot his roots; he loved Grapeland and the whole East Texas area. He had his ranch north of Grapeland for 40+ years and preserved the family homestead where he was born.

Preceded in death by his father, Robert M. Washburn, his mother, Rika T (Washburn) Bailey, his wife Jeannine and two children (Mary and Joe), Bill is survived by five children; John “Skooter” Washburn (Judith)-Sealy, Maggie Manley (Don)-Austin, Mike Washburn (Rosie)-Corpus Christi, Pat Washburn (Cody)-Austin, and Andy Washburn (Monique)-Clover, SC; five grandchildren, Mike Carroll (Sarah)-Austin, Kimberly Chacon (Carlos)-Merrick, New York, Dustin Hethcock-Houston, Thomas Washburn-Austin and Samuel Washburn-Austin; five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Bill will be held Monday, March 17, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM and a funeral service will occur Monday, March 17, 2025 at 2:00 PM, at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077. A committal service will occur Monday, March 17, 2025 at 3:30 PM.

The Family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the hospice foundation online at www.amedisys.com/donate or

Amedisys Foundation

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