Obituary of John L. Washburn
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John �Johnny� Lawrence Washburn, age 73, of Vilas, passed away Monday, January 25, 2016. John was born in Rockaway, NY. At the age of 9, he was placed in the care of the late Ford and Thelma Henson until he graduated from Cove Creek High School in 1960. At that time, he enlisted in The United States Marine Corp where he served for 5 years. After serving the corp, he started a family in New York and remained there until 1982. The family then relocated to rural Watauga County. Johnny was a welder by trade and a well known master mechanic who had a passionate love for drag-racing. Some may remember John from the �John�s 76 & Grocery� located in Zionville at the foot of Tater Hill Road, which later became the �Valley Pantry�.
John Washburn remained a proud Marine till his last breath.
He was preceded in death by a son, �William� Bill Travers, and by his mother, Christina Hanast.
He is survived by son Philip Washburn and wife Dusty, son Peter Washburn and wife Jesse, son John Travers, and son John Washburn Jr., and daughter Christine Kitay.
Nine grandchildren also survive.
Funeral services, with military honors provided by American Legion Post 130 and D.A.V. Chapter 90, will be conducted Thursday, January 28, 2016, at 6 p.m., in the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the local American Legion who will be providing the military honors.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.austinandbarnesfuneral.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Washburn family.