Phillip Terrill Washburn

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Phillip Terrill Washburn, 77, of Temple, TX., passed away on Monday, March 11, 2024, in a Temple Hospital. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 11:00am at Dossman Funeral Home in Belton.

Mr. Washburn was born on December 29, 1946, at Letterman Army Hospital, to George T. Washburn and Mary Eva (Wood) Washburn, in San Francisco, CA.

Growing up as a military child, the family moved almost yearly. The family settled in Belton in 1954. Phil graduated from Belton High School in 1965.  After graduation he enlisted in the Marine Corps and served in Vietnam. After his service he graduated from Southwest Texas State University with a degree in Journalism. He wrote for several newspapers to include the Killeen Daily Herald, the Temple Telegram, and the Fort Hood Sentinel, before beginning his career as a writer for the Department of the Army. He retired as the Chief of Public Affairs for the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command in Alexandria, VA. Upon retirement, he moved back to Texas. Phil was known for his humor, quick wit, and outgoing personality.

He is survived by his daughter Jennifer Heleniak of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, his brother Rod, of Belton; his nephews, Stephen (Joan) Washburn of Belton, Jon (Sherry) Ross of Halletsville, Jay (Pat) Pearson of Moody.

He is preceded in death by his wife Susan Chambless, his parents, sisters Terry Pearson, and Tadge Ross.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Heart of Central Texas for Independent Living in Belton, where Phil volunteered. Phil and Susan will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.