William "Bill"'s Obituary
William Clifford "Bill" Washburn, 94, of Ironton, Ohio, passed away Friday, July 19, 2019 at a local health care facility. Mr. Washburn was born October 20, 1924 in Ironton, Ohio, a son to the late Joseph and Florence (Wilds) Washburn. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Virginia June (Henthorne) Washburn whom he married August 15, 1948 and passed away on December 23, 2010.
Bill was a 1943 graduate of Ironton High School and a long time member of Central Christian Church. Bill proudly served in the United States Army during World War II in the 485th Bomb Group 828th Bomb Squadron. He fought in the Battles of Rhineland (Germany), North Appennines (Italy), and the Balkans campaign and received the American Theater Ribbon, EAME Theater Ribbon with 3 Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart and the Victory Medal. Bill was a POW/MIA in 1943 after the Airplane he was on was shot down over Yugoslavia. Bill served 25 years with the Ironton Fire Department and retired in 1975 as Captain. He also worked many years with the Lawrence County Soil Conservation Department and was the Secretary for the Lawrence County Water Shed District. Bill was one of the founding fathers and past presidents of the Ironton Little League and in 2001 served as the Honorary Grand Marshall for the Ironton Memorial Day Parade. He was also a former member of the Ironton Elks, V.F.W., and AmVets. In his spare time Bill loved to play golf and was a long time member of the Ironton Country Club and was also well known for riding his bicycle all around town.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by four brothers and three sisters
He is survived by two sons: Bill (Mary Kay) Washburn of Ironton, OH and Dave (John Thompson) Washburn of Nashville TN; two grandsons; Brian (Bridget) Washburn of Hurricane, W.V. and Brad (Mandy) Washburn of Circleville, OH; granddaughter: Katie (Eli) Dalton of Ironton, OH; five great grandchildren: Brianna and Will Washburn both of Hurricane, W.V. and Lily, Olivia and Addison Dalton all of Ironton.
Funeral service will be 1:00 P.M., Thursday, July 25, 2019 at Phillips Funeral home. 1004 South Seventh Street, Ironton, Ohio with Rev. Steve Harvey officiating. Burial will follow in Woodland Cemetery, with military graveside rites provided by VFW Post #8850. The Washburn family will receive friends Thursday from 11:30 A.M. until time of the service at the funeral home. Memory donations in Bill's honor may be made to the Ironton Fire Department, C/O International Association of Fire Fighters Local #532, 526 South 4th Street, Ironton, Ohio 45638.
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