Rev. Howard O. Washburn

AUGUSTA – Rev. Howard O. Washburn, 86, of Glen Street died peacefully on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at his home with his loving family by his side.

Howard was born in Middleborough, Mass., on Aug. 13, 1937, the son of the late Robert C. and Annie (Cole) Washburn. He attended local schools graduating from Middleborough High School in the class of 1955. He continued his education at Gordon College earning his bachelor’s degree. He went on to attended Seminary at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, earning his master’s degree and after completing school was ordained at the Winter Street Baptist Church, Gardiner in 1970.

Rev. Washburn met the love of his life, Amy Dingwell While attending Gordon College and they were married on June 13, in 1959. He loved and cared for her for more than 65 years.

During his career, Rev. Washburn served as pastor of Winter Street Baptist Church in Gardiner, Mission Support for American Baptist Churches of Maine, Regional Area Minister for American Baptist Churches of New York, and ended his career as Director of Interim Ministry with American Baptist Churches, USA out of Pennsylvania and retiring in 2001. After retirement, Rev. Washburn returned to Maine serving as interim pastor at the Harpswell Baptist Church for a time.

In his spare time, he enjoyed hiking many of the trails in Maine and beyond, he was an avid reader and learner. His greatest love was the time he spent surrounded by his loving family. Howard also held his friends in very high regard and would often comment that he could not believe how many loved ones he and Amy could count as friends.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Stanley Washburn and Maynard Washburn; a sister, Lois Aspinwall. His first son, Lincoln, passed away at one month old and Howard is survived by his wife Amy, three sons, Steven and his wife, Holly Washburn of Rhode Island, Daniel Washburn of Litchfield, Robert and his wife, Amy Washburn of Norridgewock; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

At the families request services will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner. To view Howard Washburn’s memorial page, or to share online condolences, please visit http://www.StaplesFuneralHome.com

Those who wish may make memorial contributions in Rev. Washburn’s memory to: the Maine State Library.