Glen Nelson Washburn

Glen Nelson Washburn, 86, of California, Mo., passed away Monday, January 6, 2020, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on a farm in Grundy County, Missouri, July 13, 1933, the son of Glen Washburn and Edith Nelson Washburn, both of whom preceded him in death. He met and married Elizabeth Ann Eckert in 1955, who preceded him in death on October 10, 2017. In 1951, Nelson graduated from Trenton High School. After high school, he attended Trenton Junior College and received his Associate's Degree. After receiving his Associate's Degree, he graduated from Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville, Missouri with his Bachelor's in Education and Master's in School Administration. He started his career in education in Hannibal and Brunswick and in 1964, his family moved to California, Mo. where he was the first elementary Principal for the California School district. Nelson was drafted into the US Army in 1954, serving in Korea in the 728th Military Police. Following his time spent in Public Education, Nelson returned to Law Enforcement as the City Marshall in California, Missouri, then served with the Moniteau County Sheriff's Department as Chief Deputy for many years. He finished his professional career teaching at the Missouri Department of Corrections in Boonville and the Church Farm in Jefferson City. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing, and trapping. Nelson was a proud lifetime member of the NRA and second amendment supporter. Nelson was a true patriot and was one of the last of the true lawmen. He followed and was a historian of the St. Louis Cardinals and the WWE. Nelson's daughters grew up with an appreciation for a wide range of music genres from Opera to Country and Western music. He also taught his family that anything could be fixed if you had the right kind of tape or glue. He was a proud grandparent, making sure all of his grandchildren understood conservation and respect for the land and wildlife. He was always proud of the grandchildren's athletic accomplishments. He is survived by three daughters, Maribeth Patterson, Gwen Kirby (Joe), all of California, Mo. and Rita Carey Gerhardt of Jefferson City; five grandchildren Andrew Geiser (Lisa), Chillicothe, Andelyn Wright (Dustin), Alma, AR, Elizabeth Kirby (Zac Kueffer), Samuel Kirby (Bailey Wehmeir), Sarah Kirby, all of California; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, Claude Eckert (Nadine) of Chillicothe and Bob Eckert (Judy) of Belle; and several nieces and nephews. Along with his parents and wife, Nelson was preceded in death by: his son-in-law, Samuel Patterson, May 6, 2019: one brother, Don Washburn; and a niece, Brenda Washburn. The family will receive friends at Windmill Ridge Funeral Service on Thursday, January 9, 2020, from 10-11 a.m. with the funeral service following at 11 a.m. with Rev. Ken Mathes officiating. Interment will be at Shelburne Baptist Church Cemetery near Trenton at a later date. Memorials may be made to the California R-1 School in care of Susie Oliver, 211 S. Owen St., Ste B California, MO 65018, funds will be designated to children in need. Online messages to the family may be contributed at www.windmillridgefuneralservice.com.