John D. Washburn, 100
JOHN D. WASHBURN, 100, a lifelong resident of Columbia City, died at 10 p.m. Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at his home. 
He was born August 24, 1907 in Columbia City, Indiana a son of John L. “Dot” and Ada B. (Gongwer) Washburn. He graduated from Columbia City High School in 1924.
In 1925 he was united in marriage to Mary Bauer. Mrs. Washburn died in 1946. In 1948 he was united in marriage to Helen Raupher Bunting. She died December 11, 1961.
He began his employment with the State of Indiana in 1939 and was known throughout the state for his work in the conservation department. Following his retirement in 1971 as a State Conservation Officer, he began wintering in Naples, Florida until 2005.
He was a member of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, Columbia City Elks and Columbia City Moose Lodge.
Surviving relatives include six children, Mary Jane (Robert) McElroy of DesPeres, Missouri, John B. “Jack” (Joan) Washburn of Palm Desert, California, Ann (John) Caggiano of New York, New York, James (Janet) Washburn of Naples, Florida, Thomas (Sandi) Washburn of Naples, Florida and Gina Washburn of Hendersonville, North Carolina; eight grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a son, David James Washburn and a brother, James Washburn.
The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 1, 2008 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Father Larry Cramer, pastor of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, officiating. The burial will be in Catholic Cemetery. The visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com