Clarence Dean Washburn

Clarence Dean Washburn passed away Sep. 25, 2024 peacefully with family by his side. He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Moore Washburn Feb. 1, 2024; his brother, Johnny Washburn; parents, Gertude Ellan Adams Washburn and Clarence Evertt Washburn; his daughter, Pamela Washburn McKonly, husband ,Baker McKonly, of Durango Colo.; grandson, Seth McKonly, Surprise Ariz.; and granddaughter, Annie McKonly Devine, of Buckeye, Ariz.
Clarence graduated from high school in Mountain Grove. In high school, Clarence played football, served in the student councill and choir. He married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Mae Moore. Clarence started his career with Kraft Foods making cheese then joined the Army as a electronics tech in the missile division.
After finishing his Army tour, he went back to work for Kraft. He soon after started his coal mining career as an electrician in Oswego, Kan. for Pittsburg and Midway Mining. During his career, he moved through the ranks to Mine Manager working in Greenville, Kent., Butler, Madisonville, Kent. and Steamboat Springs, Colo.
He retired to Paola, Kan., and seven years later, moved to Durango, Colo. for six years and then Surprise, Ariz. in 2008. Clarence loved the Lord, Kansas City Chiefs, music and playing in a Bocce League. He was a very positive and upbeat person full of joy and contentment making a difference in many lives. Donations in Clarence’s honor may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014.