LASHBROOK, DURWOOD

urwood Elbridge Lashbrook passed away on May 9, 2024, at the age of 93. He was born in Algona, Iowa, on July 30, 1930. He was the son of Jess Edwin and Kathryn Nellie Lashbrook. He grew up in Algona and graduated from Algona High School in 1948. He then attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Education.

Upon graduation, he entered the Naval Officer Candidate School, Newport, R.I., and was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy on March 13, 1953.

On November 21, 1954, he was married to Lucile Irene Loesch, daughter of Reverend Luther and Martha Loesch. They were blessed with three daughters: Jennifer, Nancy and Rosemary.

In June 1955, Durwood entered the Naval Aviation flight training program at Pensacola, Fla., and was designated a Naval Aviator in November, 1956. He served in many sea and shore assignments including Patrol Squadron Nine (VP-9), aboard the USS Yorktown (CVS-10), Commanding Officer Fleet Composite Squadron Eight (VC-8), and Commanding Officer San Francisco Recruiting District. He graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School with a Master of Science degree in Personnel Management and Finance in June, 1970. He retired as a Commander on June 30, 1973. Awards include National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Meritorious Service Medal.

After retirement, Durwood and his family moved to Portland, Ore., where he worked in general contracting and development and real estate. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed carpentry and sports. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Durwood was pre-deceased by his wife, Lucile, in 2013. He is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Bloom (husband Mark, Portland), Nancy Townsley (husband Gregg, Scappoose) and Rosemary Herr (husband Bret, Vancouver, WA); nine grandchildren (Lindsey, Laura, Kelly, Marshall, Steven, Tim, Ethan, Ben, and Colleen); and four great-grandchildren (Tommy, Ezra, Calvin & Amelia).