Hal Eugene Washburn, 81 of Monmouth, Illinois

Hal Eugene Washburn, 81, was surrounded by family when he went home to Jesus on February 28, 2022.  Hal was born on March 16, 1940 in Monmouth, Illinois to his parents Charles Perry Washburn and Helen Beatrice Gibson. Hal grew up in Mt. Vernon, MO and graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in 1958.  When Hal was 18, he joined the Air Force and served in the Security Police and SAC Elite Guard.  During his 27 years he received numerous medals and retired with the title of Chief Master Sergeant.  On October 2, 1979 in Omaha, Nebraska, Hal married Hyon Sun Shin.  He and Hyon Sun moved to Forsyth, MO in 1985 with their daughter Kimberly.  Hal attended College of the Ozarks where he graduated with a B.A. in Education in 1990.  He taught fourth and sixth grade for 15 years in the Hollister school system.  Hal loved to travel, read, be outdoors, attend church, talk about history and geography, collect coins and stamps, laugh, and especially spend time with family.  He will be remembered for his kind heart, friendliness toward others, jovial and easy-going nature, and making time for his family.  

Hal is survived by many loving family members including his wife of 42 years, Hyon Sun; daughter Terri and children Jessica and Kaitlin; daughter Tina and children Tommy and Lance; son Michael and his wife Tina with son Colton; daughter Kimberly Pieplow and her husband Tim with children Luke, Lydia, and Hannah; sister Carolyn Blevins and her husband Dale; nieces and nephews Pam, Debbie, Denise, Gene, Monty, Lori, Dennis, Brad, Mary, Angela, Paul, Carol, Alan, and Sandy along with their spouses and children; and great-granddaughter Chanel.  Hal is preceded in death by his first wife, Aysel Ozolcum (children Terri, Tina, and Michael); parents Charles Perry Washburn and Helen Beatrice Gibson; brother Myrle and wife Dorothea; brother Winston and wife Patricia; brother Bill and wife Donna; sister Lila McMillian and husband Bob; sister Judy Atkins and husband Joe; and grandson John.  

A celebration of life ceremony will be held at First Baptist Church Forsyth on March 6, 2022 at 3:30 pm with a visitation preceding the ceremony at 2:30 pm.  Pastor Justin Gates will officiate.  The burial will take place on March 7, 2022 at 11 am at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, MO.  Flowers may be sent to KSE Funeral Home of Forsyth, MO.  Donations in memory of Hal can be sent to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.