Richard Washburn

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 AM Tuesday at Stevensville United Methodist Church, 5506 Ridge Rd., officiated by Rev. B. Gordon Barry with burial to follow at Riverview Cemetery. Friends may call from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Monday at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd. Elk services will be conducted by Benton Harbor Elks Lodge 544 at 7:00 PM Monday at the funeral home. In Lieu of Flowers memorials may be made to Humane Society of SW Michigan and the Stevensville United Methodist Church. Dick was born on July 10, 1927 in Benton Harbor to Ralph and Ella (Kasischke) Washburn. He grew up in Benton Harbor attending the Methodist Peace Temple Church. As a young boy he had a strong work ethic selling newspapers and magazines for the News Palladium, having the largest route in the area at the time. Dick graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1945 he was a member of the school band and marching band where he played the drums. In Recent years he was on his high school reunion committee. During high school he earned the high honor of Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts and was scout master at the Stevensville United Methodist Church. He attended Ferris State College then transferred to the University of Denver earning a bachelor degree in Building and Industry Trades. He was a member of the business fraternity Alpha Kappa Si. After graduation Dick then returned home and joined his father in running Stevensville Lumber Company which was in operation until 1972. He then went to work for Bridgman Supply and then retired from Glenlord Lumber. He always enjoyed helping his contractors and customers design and build their homes. He was a member of the Benton Harbor Elks Lodge 544 for 58 years. He started on the drill team and then proceeded thru the chairs becoming Exalted Ruler 1971-1972. He enjoyed participating in the Elks rituals and programs. Dick was a member of the Lakeshore Lions Club for 42 years, selling light bulbs, white canes and helping on Newsie Sales. He loved doing community service work, being an usher and volunteering at his church and was always willing to lend a helping hand to a friend. Dick had a passion for all sports but his favorite was watching football and basketball. The University of Michigan Wolverines was his favorite team. He enjoyed playing golf and was on a league for many years, loved driving his jeep and snowplowing. Dick loved to travel and went on many wonderful adventures. He enjoyed jazz music, especially on his trips to New Orleans. He was an animal lover and enjoyed feeding the birds and wildlife. Dick was a gentle caring man who was an inspiration to many and was always in good spirits. He is survived by his wife Joanne of St. Joseph; a daughter Cynthia Ahearn of St. Joseph two step grandchildren Thomas M. Ahearn, Jr. (Renee) and Tiffany L. McCrary (Kevin); four step great-grandchildren; several cousins and many wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Ella Washburn, a son Scott Washburn, son in law Thomas M. Ahearn, Sr.