Kenneth Lee ‘Ken’ Washburn, 79, passed away Sunday, April 23, 2017, peacefully at VCU Medical Center after a short illness with lung disease.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Carol; daughter, Kara Webber, and her husband, Matt; granddaughter, Coraline Shaw; and brother, Thomas Washburn.
Ken served in the U.S. Army and thereafter built his career with United Airlines, starting with Capital Airlines in 1956 in Washington D.C. While working at United he met his wife, Carol, and worked up until his retirement in 1997.
Ken was a sports enthusiast and loved watching any game on television: baseball, football, basketball, golf, and even NASCAR. He had a love for music, big band especially, and could always find a beat to tap his foot to.
Thanks to the U.S. Army and United Airlines, he was able to see the world. But most of all, his granddaughter was the light of his life, and he enjoyed watching her grow over these past couple of years. His family would like to say a special thank you to the Thomas Palliative Care Unit at VCU for the remarkable care and love he received in his final few days. The family will hold a private service and interment will take place in Arlington Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, you may give a memorial gift to Smith Memorial Baptist Church, Williamsburg, VA 23188; the Thomas Palliative Care Unit, VCU Massey Cancer Center, P.O. Box 980214, Richmond, VA 23284.
