Donald Washburn

Don Washburn was beloved by all who had the privilege to know him.

He was a man of Christian faith and love, and shared that with everyone he came in contact with.

At the age of 94 Don touched many lives. Don was a source of constant Christian inspiration in the community, and had nothing but love and care in his heart for his family, friends and the many he shepherded.

We now say our goodbyes and support each other as we suffer the loss of the cornerstone of our family, a source of love and and Christian devotion for Lillian, His beautiful Wife of 72 years, His children Jerry, Ron, Larry, Kathy and Kristy, fifteen grandchildren, 37 great grand children and others he loved as if they were his own children. He will be greatly missed.

Don Washburn died at 5:AM on Sunday October 22nd. He passed in the presence of his loving wife Lil, his caring daughter Kristy and son in-law Steve.

We are grateful for everyone who has reached out, and everyone who has offered to help. Thank you so much. Our family feels your warm wishes and condolences during this time, and extends our own love and warmth to you.

Those of you who would like to help the family with final expenses in lieu of flowers, here is a link to a donation web site. Any amount is greatly appreciated.

gofundme.com/don-washburn-memorial-fund

Donald Albert Washburn, 94, born in Oxford, Wis. on Oct. 4, 1923, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017.

He was an amazing man accomplishing a full life of serving his Lord and Savior, helping others and making sure his own family’s needs were always met first.

Don married the love of his life, Lillian A. Raad, on May 31, 1945. They were married for 72 years.

Don attended the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Ill. for one year and continued his studies at the Free Evangelical Seminary, also located in Chicago, graduating three years later.

After graduating, Don went into fulltime ministry in South Dakota, where he started a new church. After three years he went on to Lake Lillian to pastor another church, moving once again to Wisconsin, then Minnesota and finally ending up in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho in 1955. He continued his ministry in various churches in North Idaho and Washington, while also working for the State Highway Department until he opened a business, Midway Auto Body and Washburn Manufacturing. After selling the business he went into Real Estate until finally retiring.

Don was always doing things for the Lord. Belonging to Gideon’s, Royal Rangers and being active with the Jesus people in the 1970s, with his wife always by his side working with him in business and pleasure. He also started a band that he was in for over 20 years, and the Gospel Jubilee for over 10 years.

Don was the last member of his family of eight siblings, having had three brothers and four sisters, who preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife, Lillian A. Raad; five children, Jerry, Larry, Ronald, Kathy Thayer and Kristi Triplett; and their significant others, Alene, Sheri, Mauri and son in law, James (Steve) Triplett; along with several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He will be truly missed by his family and friends.

Viewing will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26, at English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene. A service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27, at Lake City Community Church, 6000 N. Ramsey Road, Coeur d’Alene. Everyone who would love to come and celebrate his life is welcome to attend.