Don Stewart Washabaugh

Don Washabaugh of Port Saint Joe, Florida, passed away on September 24. After several months of declining health, he passed peacefully with his beloved wife, Regina by his side.

Don was born on May 2, 1933, to Samuel and Rebekah Washabaugh in Williamsport, PA. The younger of two, Don grew up in Pennsylvania and moved to California, where he graduated from Santa Barbara High School. He then returned to Pennsylvania and attended Penn State University. He enlisted in the Air Force and served in the 82nd Airborne division as a paratrooper during the Korean War. After returning from service, Don met and married Barbara, and they had two daughters, Lauren and Chris. Don began a 30-year career at Dun and Bradstreet, relocating to Clearwater Florida and then to Atlanta Georgia. A lifelong Penn State fan, Don enjoyed watching the Nittany Lions win the national championship surrounded by memorabilia that he collected.

Don's favorite actor was John Wayne, and he embodied the spirit of true grit. A meat and potatoes man who greeted any culinary variant by simply saying John Wayne wouldn't eat that. His rye humor was dependable, reliable, and steady and complimented his overall charm. A self-directed man's man, Don was always the first to lend a helping hand to a neighbor, his church, or his stepsons. He coached basketball for Michael and taught Jeff how to drive a stick shift.

Don and Regina relocated to Port Saint Joe, where they retired. In 1995 Don chaired the juvenile justice council and supervised youth accountability programs in Gulf and Franklin counties. He served the Port Saint Joe community for 14 years as a volunteer at the FUMC clothes closet. As a meticulous planner, he enjoyed planning vacations with Regina. They went on cruises together and visited his sister in Europe. A gracious host to family, Don, and Regina opened their home for summer vacations for grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his sister, Jean Nemic and survived by his wife, Regina; daughters, Lauren Lush (Tom), Chris Greenawalt; stepsons, Jeff (Brandi) Highman and Michael Highman; grandchildren, Ryan Greenawalt, Rebekah Hinchcliffe, Alyssa Carter, Melissa Landrigan, Jack, and Reese Highman; great-grandchildren, Rory and Pryor Landrigan, Camden Carter and Zoey Greenawalt and Sterling Hinchcliffe.

Don was a beloved husband, father, neighbor, and friend. He will be missed.

Memorialization will be by cremation.

Arrangements are entrusted to the caring staff of Comforter Funeral Home in Port St. Joe, FL.