Launie D. Mashburn

On Aug 16, 2024, Launie D. Mashburn passed away peacefully at his home in Adrian OR. He is now free from the confines of Parkinson’s, and is safe in the arms of Jesus. Launie, the second of four children, was born in Gobar WA on Mar 17, 1940 to Thomas and Louise Mashburn. The family spent time in WA, OR, and CA before settling in Mountain Home, ID.

Launie was drafted into the US Army in 1963, and spent his enlistment in Germany as a Hawk Missile Technician. In 1965, he re-enlisted as a Dental Lab Technician. While in tech school at Fort Sam Houston TX, he met the love of his life, Kathryn M. Robbins, and they married on Dec 2, 1966. They welcomed 2 sons while stationed at Fort Knox KY, then moved back to his hometown of Mountain Home ID when his enlistment ended. Using his Dental Lab skills, Launie secured a job at the VA in Helena MT, where they welcomed a daughter.

Launie, not one to be cooped up indoors, moved his family back to Mountain Home ID, and became a Heavy Equipment Operator after attending school in Weiser ID. He worked in road construction until 1978, when he became a ranch hand for the Danskin Cattle Company at Prairie ID. In 1983, he moved his family to Homedale ID so the kids could attend JR/SR High School, since Prairie only has an elementary school.

In 2004, Launie and his wife moved back to Prairie to enjoy retirement in the house he built. They enjoyed 17 years together on the Prairie. He enjoyed mornings drinking coffee on the porch, waving to neighbors as they went by, and always ready to visit. He was active in the community and ready to lend a hand whenever needed. He enjoyed making memories with his grandkids and great-grandkids – hunting, shooting, camping, fishing, swimming, horseshoes, cards, and board games.

In Sep 2021, due to failing health, the agonizing decision was made to move off the Prairie. They settled in Adrian OR where he was lovingly cared for by his devoted wife, with assistance from the VA and Canyon Hospice.

All who knew him loved him. He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. Launie was a hard worker and believed if something was worth doing, it was worth doing right. He was a man of integrity - his handshake was as good as his word. He had an eye for detail and enjoyed working with his hands. His hobbies included working with rawhide, leather, painting, sketching, carpentry and finish work. Launie was an avid western movie fan and enjoyed reading western novels.

Survived by wife-Kathy, sister-Connie (Roy) Mocaby, sons Launie T. (Deby), Rex (Tara), daughter Robyn (Troy) Smith, 16 Grandchildren, and 27 Great Grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his Mom, Dad, brother, a sister, 2 nephews, and a niece.

A Celebration of Life will be held in March 2025. Arrangements TBA.