Albert Theodore Washburn

Albert Washburn, 90, of Hastings, passed away on Monday, September 9, 2013 at Hospice with Heart in Glenwood. Visitation Friday, September 13, 2013 with family present from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at the Loess Hills Funeral Home in Malvern. Funeral Services, Saturday, September 14, 2013 at 11:00 AM at the funeral home with Reverend Carl Phillips officating. Military honors and burial at the Emerson Cemetery.

Memorials (in Albert's name) suggested to the Malvern Student Loan Fund or Soil & Water Conservation District Scholarship Fund.

Loess Hills Funeral Home of Malvern in charge of arrangements.

Albert Theodore Washburn, the oldest of two children of Alice Theodora (Wilkins) and Henry Wearin Washburn, was born on June 10, 1923 on the family farm northwest of Hastings, Iowa. He attended Sandiland country school, graduated in 1941 from the Malvern High School and graduated in 1943 from the Chillicothe Business College in Chillicothe, Missouri, with a degree in Business Administration. Albert served two years in the United States Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theater and was honorably discharged in 1946. Albert obtained his private pilot's license in 1947; and later sold his airplane to buy a combine to help start his life-long farming career.

Albert and Carolyn Louise Lawson were married on December 29, 1948 at the First Presbyterian Church in Omaha, Nebraska. They made their home on the "home place" and their marriage was blessed with two children, Robert Henry and Linda Kaye.

Albert was a member of the Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church near Hastings and served on the administrative council. His community involvement covered many years and was active in various political campaigns at the county, state, and national levels. Albert served as Chairman of the Mills County Soil Conservation District for 25 years and assistant chairman for 19 years. He received the Outstanding Soil Commissioner Award in 1971 and 1982, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Soil Conservation District in 2009. Albert was the first director of the Area Education (Area 13) in Council Bluffs, Iowa and served for three years. He was on the Board of Directors of the Malvern Community School District for 14 years. Albert also received the "Century Farm" award in 1999.

Albert was employed on a part-time basis for the A.S.C.S. Compliance Supervisor for nine counties; A.S.C.S. Chief Field Assistant; and member of the A.S.C.S. Aerial Photo Team. His interests centered on farming and conservation, his private photography studio business, helping his wife Carolyn on her antiquing ventures, and spending time with his family, who were his pride and joy. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and a great mentor to all who knew him.

Albert and Carolyn were married for 64 and half wonderful years with God's blessings and family affection.

Albert passed away on September 9, 2013 at the Hospice with Heart in Glenwood, Iowa, at the age of 90 years, 2 months, and 29 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Mary Alice Matthews; and niece Rebecca Matthews.

Albert is survived by his beloved wife Carolyn of Hastings; son Rob Washburn and wife Linda of Hastings; daughter Linda Perry and husband Michael of Marion, IA; grandsons, Benjamin Washburn, John Washburn, and Cameron Perry; granddaughter Eva Perry; great grandsons, Gabriel Washburn of Dunnellon, FL and Jack Washburn of Des Moines, IA; niece Nancy Borchert and husband Jim of Ft. Collins, CO; other relatives; and a host of friends.