Daniel Kent Washam

Daniel Kent Washam, 73, of Jackson, Ohio passed away peacefully, Tuesday, April 4th, 2023 at his home, surrounded by loved ones. He had been very recently diagnosed with metastatic cancer. Kent was born on Groundhog Day (Feb 2), 1950 in Columbus, Ohio to Daniel Evans Washam and Colleen (Jenkins) Washam and spent all of his early life in Jackson, much of it shared with his beloved grandparents, aunts and cousins. He was a member of the Jackson High School class of 1968, graduated from Ohio University in 1972, and then taught English for 5 years in the Chillicothe area. In 1978 he joined the faculty of Jackson High School, teaching English and serving as drama director. He earned his master’s degree in the year 2000. After his retirement from JHS in 2008, he became an adjunct instructor for Shawnee State University and later worked as an on-line high school instructor. Aside from teaching, Kent worked in various other occupations over the years, such as house painter, landscape worker, orchard worker, laborer, concrete truck driver, waiter, bartender, ill-fated B&B owner, and eBay seller. He enjoyed painting, woodcarving, gardening, cartooning, plunking on his guitar, writing, and struggling to learn Spanish. Though he considered himself accomplished at none of these endeavors, he enjoyed them all immensely. He loved animals and once worked as a human servant for 7 dogs; yet his most recent best friends were his cats, Colby and Jack. Kent felt the greatest moments of his life were spending time with his grandchildren, sons, and all his family; building a cabin in the woods with the help of his dad, brother-in-law, and others; dismantling the old B&O railroad depot on Harding Avenue with a friend; and living in and touring the Yucatán peninsula of Mexico with Chiquita Hernandez (just kidding, it was really his wife, Susie). Kent is survived by said wife, Susie (Hankey) Washam; sons, Morgan Washam and DJ Washam; stepsons, Caleb (Amanda) Fields and Corey Fields; grandchildren, Willow and Meadow Washam, Milo Staats-Washam and Andrew Fields; sister, Jan Ellen (Rick) Smith, nieces, Emily (Justin) Ochsenbein and Kelly (Wes) Smith; great-nephews, Julian Ochsenbein and Knox Smith; great-nieces, Quinn Ochsenbein and Harlow Smith; daughter-in-law, Kelly Sprague Washam; sister-in-law and brother in law, Sally Jenkins Fields and Don Jenkins; and cats, Jack and Colby, who kept close watch in his last days. Oh, and his friend, “Thompson.” Friends, extended family, colleagues, and students who loved him are innumerable. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dan and Colleen, and his first wife, Patty Sue Jenkins Washam. Visitation will be held April 11, 2023 at Mayhew-Brown Funeral Home in Jackson, Ohio, from 3 pm to 7pm, with a celebration of life service to follow immediately thereafter. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Humane Society of Jackson County (Ohio) or the animal aide group of your choice

Daniel Kent Washam

February 2, 1950 - April 4, 2023