Forrest Bryant Washburn

Bryant Washburn

Richfield, Utah

Forrest Bryant Washburn, 94, died peacefully in Monroe, Utah on June 27, 2016. Bryant was born on May 21, 1922 in Teasdale, Utah to Gerald and Grace Allen Washburn. At the age of 17 he joined the National Guard and was a member of the 222 ^nd Field Artillery Battalion. He later was sent to Fort Jackson, South Carolina to the 739 ^th Field Artillery Battalion where he was promoted to drill Sargent and gun Sargent over the eight inch Howitzer guns. He was successful in training and combat and served his country well for 6 years. He often said, "I never regretted one day in the service of my country. It was for a good cause and something that had to be done." He participated in the following campaigns and battles; Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He received the following decorations and citations; American Defense Service Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and Bronze Star.

Bryant not only served his country but loved serving his community and was instrumental in compiling 3 volumes of World War II experiences from Southern Utah Veterans. He had many hobbies including hunting, fishing, horse racing, and rock hunting which became his passion. He had a remarkable knowledge of fossils, minerals, and gems and was known for having one of the best collections around. He shared this outstanding collection with the Ashman Elementary school and donated his finest specimens for a school museum.

He not only spent hours cutting, grinding and polishing rocks, but time spent with Bryant polished people. He was an active member of the LDS Church where he was loved and respected by his ward family. Anyone who visited Bryant never left empty handed. He was generous with his time as well as his possessions.

Bryant and Edna spent their winters in Quartzite AZ where he sold and traded rocks. During this time he created lifelong friendships with other rock enthusiasts who became his extended family.

Bryant was a brave and loyal soldier as well as a loving husband and father. He married Edna Madsen on February 26, 1946 in the Manti LDS Temple. They had celebrated 70 years of marriage in February. Edna passed away on May 1, 2016.

He was also preceded in death by their beloved son Craig Bryant Washburn, parents, Gerald Washburn and Grace Smoot; brother, Burnell Washburn; sisters: Mona Lou Whittaker, Leah Rae Hansen, and Geneal Moore.

He is survived by sisters-in-law: Ora Dean Christensen, JoAnn Madsen; and many loved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Friday, July 1, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the Richfield 10 ^th Ward Chapel, 700 West 200 South. Friends may call Thursday evening at the Magleby Mortuary in Richfield from 6-8 p.m. and Friday at the ward chapel from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Richfield City Cemetery with military rites by the V.F.W. Sevier Post #5050. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.