He attended Yuma schools and graduated from Yuma High School. He attended ASU for 2 years before leaving to join the US Air Force. Upon returning from the service he worked at Bayless Food Market where he became a manager before leaving to become owner/ operator of LA Yuma Freight Lines. He successfully ran the company for 52 years before closing it down and retiring on January 1, 2009.
He was a member of Yuma Lodge #17, The Shrine Club, and a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite. He served on the Yuma Water Commission, YRMC Board of Directors, Yuma Planning and Zoning and was a member of the Yuma Executive Club to name a few. He was also a valued member of the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce.
He had a big heart and a very generous nature and helped many people and community events anonymously. He always did what he could, not for recognition, but because he wanted to. Giving back to the community was important to him. As a youth he was a Boy Scout and became assistant Scoutmaster. With his grandson becoming a scout, he fully supported scouting, using his trucks to haul popcorn in free of charge for the Boy Scouts popcorn fundraiser. He was an ASU football fan for many years, attending the games until he could no longer make the trip. Then, it was game night in front of the TV.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Evelyn, son Rusty (Sally), daughter Jackie (DJ) Shiplet, granddaughters Jessica and Jennifer, grandson Christopher, and 3 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind Baby Kitty that followed him all around the house and loved lap time while he petted her.
He was preceded in death by his parents Haywood and Edith Washum.
Evelyn Ruth Washum, 86, passed away October 8th, 2020 in Yuma, just about 6 1/2 months after her husband of 68 years, Don, passed. She was born to William Raymond and Bertha Thelma Shugart on June 5th, 1934.
She attended Yuma schools and graduated from Yuma High School. On January 30th, 1952 she married Donald Lee Washum with whom she raised 2 children. Early in their marriage she was a bank teller at First National Bank for a brief time. Upon having children, they were her focus, with her becoming room mother chairman in their classrooms in elementary school. She became a volunteer at what is now YRMC for 35 years. She eventually ordered for and stocked the gift shop for many years. Her last area of volunteering there was in the ER.
She was preceded in death by her husband Don, her parents "Raymond" and "Thelma" (as they were known) Shugart, and her sister Darlene.
She is survived by her children Russell (Sally) Washum, Jackie (DJ) Shiplet, granddaughters Jessica and Jennifer, grandson Christopher, and 3 great grandchildren. Also her beloved Baby Kitty who misses her and Don terribly.
Graveside services will be held Monday, October 19th, 2020 at 10:30 AM at Desert Lawn Memorial Park.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared for the Washum family.
FAMILY
William Raymond ShugartFather (deceased)
Bertha Thelma HannerMother (deceased)
Donald Lee WashumHusband (deceased)
Jaqueline Lynn ShipletDaughter
Russell WashumSon
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.3