Shelbyville native Kenneth Duane Washburn died Wednesday, Oct. 12. He was 81.
Born on March 28, 1941, in Shelbyville, Kenny was blessed with almost 32 years of a loving marriage to his best friend Barbie, who preceded him in death.
He was an avid hunter and a lifetime member of the Freemasons and the local 324 International Union of Operating Engineers. He worked in the construction field for many years, became a crane operator, and ended his career as an equipment manager at Milbocker and Sons.
He loved the outdoors, trips up north with family, and hunting trips out west with friends. His other hobbies included golf and fishing. He enjoyed all of the children in his life and it brought him great joy when they also learned to hunt. Kenny was a Michigan State fan and also loved watching pro football, golf, and racing. As a gentleman farmer, he always had a large garden, and enjoyed canning and sharing his harvest.
Kenny loved his wife Barb’s cooking and baking, pumpkin cookies were a fall favorite to satisfy his sweet tooth. He had a very tight bond with his siblings, always looking forward to Thursday “Sibs night.” Occasionally they could talk him into a trip to Florida in the winter, however, he truly was a homebody fully enjoying the beauty and peace of his family farm.
He is survived by his children, Wendy Washburn, Kevin Washburn, Brian (Linda) Washburn, and step-children Ryan (Amy) Smith and Stephanie Laird, siblings Linda Firlik, Gayle (Jerry) Clement, Sandy Hayward, Clair (Don) Black, Cindy (Larry) Keyzer, George (Mary) Washburn, 13 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.
Kenny was preceded in death by his parents Clair and Bertha (Carpenter) Washburn, his first wife Phylis (Crooks) and his second wife Barbara (Lange) Washburn, brother Jack Washburn, son Kenneth Washburn Jr. and several extended family members.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Wings of Hope Hospice of Allegan 530 Linn St, Allegan, MI 49010.
