Paul Washburn Sr.

Paul Washburn Sr., 87, passed away Friday, September 6, 2013 in Abilene. His funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, September 9th in the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 HWY 277 South with interment following in the Garden of Memories at Elmwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, today, Sunday, September 8th at Elmwood Funeral Home.

Paul was born on May 29, 1926 the son of Omar Justin Washburn Sr. and Clio Knowles Washburn in Mena, Arkansas where he grew up and attended school. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force during WW II. Paul came to Abilene in the late 1940s selling institutional foods for John Sexton Company throughout West Texas. In the early 1950s, he became the Penny Merchant, operating penny gum machines from Eastland to Midland and from San Angelo to Childress. In the early 1960s, he became interested in real estate and began building houses and subdividing rural acreage. During Abilenes severe housing depression in the 1960s, he remodeled hundreds of FHA acquired properties before moving into the new world of mobile homes. He founded Abilene Mobile Homes and developed mobile home parks and subdivisions staying active in the business until 2011.

Paul was past chairman of the Taylor County Republican Party and a former board member of the Texas Manufactured Housing Association.

Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Joye Wynette Washburn his children, Cecil Meadows and wife Jodie, Jim Meadows, Deborah Kay Pancake and husband Kenny, and Paul Washburn Jr. and wife Delores 16 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Wesley Court and Hospice of the Big Country for their caring and dedicated service during Pauls illness.

Memorial donations may be sent to Rescue the Animals, SPCA, 4620 N. 1st, Abilene, TX 79603.

Visitation

Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Sunday, September 8, 2013
4:00 to 6:00 PM

Service

Funeral Service

Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Monday, September 9, 2013
10:00 AM

Cemetery

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606

Memorial Contributions

4620 North First Street
Abilene, TX  79603