RAPID CITY | Frank M. Washburn, 85, died Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014, at Florida East Hospital in Orlando. Frank was born August 4, 1928, in Rapid City to George and Nellie (Albrook) Washburn. Frank and his sister, Frances were raised by their grandparents and father in Rapid City. Frank started working at the early age of 10 as a paper boy. Always being business minded he contracted his route out to the local kids and paid them from his profits; even renting his bike out to them when they asked. Living along Rapid Creek, they were able to often times catch their next meal, whether it be snapping turtles or fish. Frank also worked as a ranch hand in the summer and bought and sold cattle until he found out the owner's motive was for Frank to marry his daughter. Frank graduated from Rapid City High School in 1946. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps for a year and was honorably discharged as a PFC. Following his discharge, he traveled to Chicago to work at the Studebaker Car Factory. Soon after, the company went on strike and Frank went to New Orleans and found work there. He and his friend later made their way to Arizona, where they contracted with a local print shop to print coupon books they could sell to make some money. They recruited college girls to sell them and then also had them selling mistletoe they picked in the desert. Frank ended up marrying one of those girls and the marriage lasted about 15 years. From the earnings, Frank and his friend made enough money to buy a car and they moved back to Rapid City. Frank went on to trade school where he learned the skills of an auto body mechanic. He worked at the Chevy Body Shop downtown, and made enough money to start the Collision Center. Frank's motto was "the only way you make money was while you sleep" the advice he received when he was younger from an older man while doing his paper route. He was always one step ahead and was looking towards the next opportunity to buy, sell and remodel properties. Frank built Highlander's Corner Condos which was adjacent to his residence. Being unsatisfied with the real estate company selling his condos, Frank went ahead and received his real estate license so he could sell the property. At one time, Frank owned and managed 20 rental properties in the area. Frank bought the old Chevy garage property in Deadwood. He and three friends formed a partnership and built the Four Aces Casino and later added the Hampton Inn. They owned this property until August 2008. Frank's latest project was the remodeling of the old Parkway Restaurant. Frank married Norma Bearden in 2003. They met during their high school years and later reunited in the early 90's. They traveled to locations including Hawaii, Alaska, the Canadian Rockies and New England just to mention a few. They also visited with Norma's children and families frequently in Indiana and Florida. They had purchased a winter home in Orlando two years ago, where they were living at the time of his passing. Frank was always generous, lending out his hand to anyone in need. He would often find work around the house to be done, and in turn would give money or a hot meal as payment. He was a lifetime member of the Elks Club, Morning Optimist Club and The Club for Boys in Rapid City. Survivors include his wife, Norma Bearden Washburn, Orlando and Rapid City; three stepchildren, Tanya (Roy) Rogers, Orlando, Ron (Debbi) Bearden, Lafayette, IN, and Cheryl (Mike) Fenters, Lafayette; 11 step grandchildren; 10 step great-grandchildren; three nephews, Mark (Terri) Fischer, Rapid City, Alan (Linda) Fischer, Powell, WY, and Robin (Karyl) Fischer, Dallas, TX; and a niece, Julie (Bruce) Reuer, Denver. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Frances Fischer; and niece, Rhonda Fischer. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at Calvary Lutheran Church, with Pastor Willard Olsen officiating. Burial in the Mausoleum will follow at Pine Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, with military honors provided by Rushmore VFW Post 1273 and the SD Army National Guard. A memorial has been established to the American Cancer Society.