Tony Cochran Washer joined his Savior and beloved wife in Paradise on May 17, 2026.  His children, John A and Sarah, were holding his hands as he crossed over into Glory.  He recently told the family that he was in a 'win-win' situation.  Every day he lived, he got to be with his family, and if he passed on he would get to be with Jesus and his wife of 50 years, Liz.  He described in awe and wonder his excitement to soon see Jesus and touch his face.  He encouraged his children and grandchildren by saying he had an inner strength that was indescribable.

He will be forever loved, celebrated and missed by his children, John A and Kristina Washer and Sarah and Chad Beardslee; his five grandchildren, Insley and Liv Washer, Deacon, Josie and Toby Beardslee; and his sisters, Jere Drouin and Jackie Maupin and their families and his extended Atkinson family who adored him. He joined his parents, James and Melba Washer, father and mother In-law, James Frank and Lucy Atkinson and beloved wife, Elizabeth Washer, in his eternal home.  Tony graduated from Murray State University with a degree in Industrial Education and later obtained his Masters in Administration  from the University of Missouri. After teaching in Bowling Green, he became the Industrial Arts teacher in the Mexico School District, eventually retiring as the Assistant Superintendent in 2002.

Tony was born in Murray, Kentucky on November 12, 1947.  He spent his early childhood playing outside with all of his friends, living on Wonder Bread and mayonnaise sandwiches and eventually working at a clothing store in town to pay for his sense of style.  As he grew up, he could often be found hitchhiking to the nearby town, Kirksey, to his grandparents' farmhouse.  It was during these countless hours on the farm that he fell in love with the country and all things nostalgic- hot coffee with a piece of pie, the smell of flaky, southern biscuits with the sound of familiar voices rising from his grandmother's kitchen, dirt and oil-stained work pants, and his granddaddy's weathered hands from a life full of hard work.  He eventually earned the same hands that his grandchildren adored and held while fishing in his pond and listening to never-ending, detailed stories that captivated their attention.  Some of them were even true.

While in college, Tony's friend, Sue Ellen Brooks, introduced him to her cousin, Elizabeth Atkinson, and it was definitely love at first sight. He often would tell the story, with a twinkle in his eyes, of first falling in love with Liz, then later finding out that she also had a love for the country and a family farm.  He couldn't believe his blessing!

Tony and Liz married in October 1972 and spent their entire marriage creating beauty. They built a home that was heaven on earth, raised two beautiful children, John A and Sarah, and upon their retirement vacationed in 22 countries, celebrating the diversity of all God's creation. They spent their lifetime loving one another and their land, starting every day with coffee and conversation, tending to each sapling, tired tree, wildflower and butterfly, and becoming the best home for birds in the neighborhood.  Even from the hospital, Tony was directing his children to make the hummingbirds' sugar water and make sure the Orioles' had their grape jelly.

Tony viewed every interaction as an opportunity for connection.  He didn't just meet people, he encountered them.  He understood the fundamental truth that people have a desire to be known and an even deeper desire to be loved. He provided both in abundance.

Husband, Father, Pops, Brother, Uncle, Friend, Craftsman, Conservationist, Farmer, Teacher, Colleague, Visionary and Renaissance Man; Tony will be dearly missed by many, and we look forward to seeing him again one day.

Please join us for a celebration of his life on Sunday, May 24th, 2026 at Audrain County Historical Society at 1 pm. Visitation will begin at 12 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Presser Arts Center, The Handi-Shop or Rock Hill Cemetery. They may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.