Skowhegan – Reginald Leonard Washburn, Sr., 85, joined his loving wife, Virginia, early Friday morning, July 28, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Harmony on March 26, 1932, the second son of Elmer and Gladys (Braley) Washburn.
On July 8, 1953, he married Virginia R. Collins, the love of his life. Together their raised five children and spent 59 wonderful years together. During his lifetime, Reggie held many jobs. In the early years, he picked coal at the train station, delivered newspapers, set pins at the bowling alley and was a stock boy at McLellan’s. Later, Reggie spent 28 years working at Norwalk Shoe in Norridgewock before becoming a member of the start-up team for New Balance, where he worked for 5 more years. In 1997, after working 11 years for MSAD 54 as a custodian and head of field/ground maintenance, he retired at the age of 65.
In 1950, at the age of 18, Reggie joined the Air Force. He was stationed in Texas and trained as a military policeman. He was a member of the 42nd Air Policeman Squadron, which was one of the first units sent to Korea. After serving three missions in Korea, he was stationed at Limestone Air Force Base in Limestone, Maine with the rank of Staff Sargent. Reggie was honorably discharged in 1953.
Reggie is predeceased by his wife; parents; two brothers, Elmer, Jr., and Carroll; and a sister, Shirley Hilton.
He is survived by his daughters, Pamelia Arsenault and husband Francis, Chery Hendsbee, and Sheila Lymann and partner Ron Herrin; sons, Reginald Washburn, Jr. and wife Shelly, and Randy Washburn and wife Janet all of Skowhegan; loving grandchildren, Matthew Washburn and Caron Begley of CA, Nicholas Washburn and Jenna Goodell of MA, Michael Lyman and wife Krista of Farmington, Samantha Lyman, Cadence Washburn, and Payson Washburn of Skowhegan; great grandson William “Liam” Lyman of Farmington; brothers, Philip Washburn of CA, Terry Washburn and wife Brenda of Canaan; a special nephew and niece, Chris Hilton and Mandy Saucier; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.
Reggie loved to bowl and enjoyed his Friday Senior League games. His hobbies included cribbage, golf, and fishing. He coached his sons in youth baseball and daughter in softball. He was a current member of the VFW and American Legion.
Reggie was a proud father and grandfather and enjoyed watching his two sons’ coach Skowhegan high school basketball. He loved to watch his grandsons play sports and he attended as many baseball, football, basketball and ice hockey games as he could.
Reggie was a devoted family man. Family always came first. When his wife became ill, he kept her in their home and took care of her for eight years until her passing in 2012.
A funeral service will be held at 2pm, Sunday, August 6, at Centenary United Methodist Church, 113 Dr. Mann Rd., Skowhegan with Pastor Rick Dorian officiating. Celebration of Life will follow at T&B’s Celebration Center, 414 Madison Ave., Skowhegan.
Reggie’s family extends their appreciation to MaineGeneral Hospice for their comforting care to their Dad during his brief illness.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine. www.smartandedwardsfh.com if you wish to leave condolences for the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Centenary United Methodist Church, 113 Dr. Mann Rd., Skowhegan, ME 04976
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