HERKIMER- Orville Ford Fordie Washburn, age 89, passed away peacefully on Saturday afternoon, September 10, 2011, in Folts Home, Herkimer. He had the comfort of his loving family at his side. He was born on June 8, 1922, in Ilion, a son of the late Lyle and Sarah Ford Washburn. A lifelong area resident he was educated in Mohawk Schools. An honorably discharged veteran of World War II, he served with the US Army. On September 10, 1949, he was united in marriage with the former Doris H. Miller in the Christ Episcopal Church, Herkimer. They shared a loving and devoted union of forty-eight years until her passing on February 4, 1998. For more than thirty-six years, Mr. Washburn worked as an inspector for the Library Bureau in Herkimer. He retired in 1979. Orville had a strong faith in God and led a devoted Episcopal life. To all who knew him they will remember a family motivated man who was happiest when he was surrounded by his many friends and family, especially his cherished grandchildren. He will be deeply missed. Surviving him are his daughter, Merle Williams and her husband Steven of Ilion, two sons, Robert Washburn of Little Falls and Collin Washburn of Whitesboro, three grandchildren, Matthew, Sarah and Hannah Williams all of Ilion, two sisters, Marjorie Hadsel of Ilion and Viola Church of Mohawk, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents and wife Doris he was preceded in death by a brother Edgar Washburn. Funeral service will be on Friday at 1:00 pm in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street; Herkimer. The Reverend Paul Bailey, Rector of Christ Episcopal Church, Herkimer will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow in Mountain View Memorial Gardens, town of Little Falls. The family will be present in the funeral home to receive relatives and friends on Thursday from 4:00 until 7:00 pm. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the Christ Episcopal Church, Herkimer. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.