Robert M. Washburn

Robert M. Washburn was born March 30, 1921 in Racine Wisconsin to Claude & Ann Marie (Jameson) Washburn. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Isabelle (Anderson) Washburn; brother, David A. Washburn; grandson, Martin Washburn; and second wife, Betty (Brock) Washburn. Bob was a descendent of the Mayflower with lineage traced back to Francis Cooke.

He grew up in Chicago and graduated from Byford High School. After returning from Korea in 1947 he married Isabelle Anderson and they eventually moved to Speedway, IN when he was employed by Allison Engineering Corporation, now Allison Transmission, in 1955. They raised three children – Duane, Baird & Linda. Isabelle passed in 1969 and Bob married Betty Brock and became a step-father to her two girls, Pam & Sandra. Together Bob & Betty watched their children grow and eventually move on to families of their own. Bob retired as a Senior Processing Engineer from Allison in 1986 after 31 years and they began travelling. They particularly liked wintering in Tucson, AZ and spent twenty years between Speedway and Tucson.

Betty passed in 2011 and Bob remained in Speedway with his children nearby for company and assistance. He passed peacefully on March 6, 2016 at his home of 60 years and will be buried in West Ridge Park Cemetery. He is survived by 5 children, 14 grand children & 13 great grandchildren. Survivors include Duane & Carol (Boswell) Washburn of Speedway, IN and their 4 children. Baird & Diane (Hagaman) Washburn of Pittsboro, IN and their 4 children and 6 grandchildren. Linda & Dale Thrasher of Avon, IN. Pam & Jeff Lappies of Chatham, NY and their 2 children and 1 grandchild. Sandra & Vic Ramsey of Colorado Springs, CO and their 4 children and 6 grandchildren.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the charity of the donor’s choice.