David Alan "Dave" Washburn

David "Dave" Alan Washburn, 68, a devoted husband, teacher, and man of faith, passed away unexpectedly on September 28, 2025, and now waits for the return of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Alyson Freeburg Washburn; his brothers Thomas Edward Washburn (Susan) of Clayton, NJ; Robert John Washburn of Tampa, FL; and Mark William Washburn (Andrea) of Hof, Germany; his sisters Brenda Jean Donahue (Billy) of Auburn, NJ, and Jean Eleanor Cobb (Alex) of Dalton, GA; and his nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert E. Washburn and Rita Adele LaBarge Washburn, as well as his beloved aunt and uncle, Margaret and Harold Varno. Dave was born on May 21, 1957, in Castro Valley, California. The family moved to Glassboro, New Jersey, in 1968, where he graduated from Glassboro High School in 1975. During high school, he was a member of the Air Saints Club, which sparked his lifelong passion for aviation. He took flying lessons as a teenager, loving the freedom and peace that came from being above the clouds. He also enjoyed camping, scuba diving, and music. Dave later attended Colorado State University, majoring in Forestry, before realizing his interests lay elsewhere. In 1980, he moved to Memphis, Tennessee, and attended Memphis State University, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. A true "tinkerer," Dave could fix almost anything and liked to know how things worked. His natural gift for teaching allowed him to later help friends who were struggling with their coursework. While living in Memphis, Dave worked in several fields before landing in the arena of security and protection system installation. He was known for his strong work ethic, honesty, keen intellect, and practical skills. In 1990, Dave met Alyson, who introduced him to the scriptures and helped him come to a personal understanding of God's Word. Very soon thereafter, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior-an event that transformed his life and gave him purpose. David loved God above all, strove to be attuned to His voice above all other voices, and to respond in obedience to Him regardless of the thoughts or opinions of others; he spoke the truth in love. Dave and Alyson married in December 1990, forming a close-knit team in service to their Lord. Together they led many people to into the new birth (Romans 10:9, 10) and discipled them into spiritual maturity while also encouraging, strengthening, or comforting those already established in faith. Their work included missionary service in Africa and leading a Christian fellowship in their home. Dave loved helping others strengthen their relationship with God and would gladly spend hours teaching the scriptures and discussing them with anyone who sought understanding or help. Dave was a man of deep conviction and love. He had a great sense of humor, loved pulling pranks when he could, and, with his compassionate heart, was not above singing (with the motions) "I'm a little teapot" to help bring a smile to those he loved who were sad. He cherished his brothers and sisters in Christ, no matter how long he had known them, and had a natural ability to connect with people of all ages, especially children. Dave will be deeply missed by his wife, family, his beloved cats, Itsy and Mercy, and the many friends and fellow believers whose lives he touched. His legacy of kindness, compassion, faith, honesty, and joyful service to the Body of Christ will continue to inspire all who knew him. We are certainly thankful for the great hope of Christ's return, promised to us by God, and for the joy we will experience on the day the dead in Christ arise and all those who remain rise up to meet the Lord in the air forever to be with him. There will be a home fellowship to honor Dave on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:30 Central Time. If you would like to attend in person, please let us know by Tuesday, October 14, 2025. A Zoom link is also available. If you are interested in either attending in person or receiving the Zoom link, or if you need any additional information, please email bhdavememorial@gmail.com. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord's word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore, encourage one another with these words.