William Frank "Bill" Washburn

William F. (Bill) Washburn, 80, of Lake Ozark, MO passed away quietly on March 12, 2025 at St Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Bill grew up in Versailles and attended both elementary and high school there. Following high school, he attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, and University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. Shortly after graduation, Bill served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. 

Upon returning from the Vietnam conflict, Bill worked in the State Auditor’s Office in Jefferson City before entering law school at University of Missouri in Kansas City and completing his Juris Doctorate (J.D.). Bill practiced law in Grandview, MO for a short time before returning to Eldon, MO to open a solo law practice for over 30 years. Bill also served as municipal judge in Eldon, Lake Ozark and Osage Beach. 

Bill was active in the Eldon community through Lions Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and served on the Turkey Festival committee for many years. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Miller County Health Board and the Citizen’s Bank of Eldon. 

Bill leaves behind his beloved wife, Linda; three step-sons, Aaron, Ryan and Kevin (Jessi) Gum; and four grandchildren, Porter, Ryla, Ella and Evelyn Gum. 

To honor Bill’s wishes there will be no formal visitation or funeral service. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.