Oklahoma City: Raymond Washburn, a blind man who credited by helping to save five people from the debris of the Federal Building Alfred P.
Murrah following the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, had died.
He was 75.
Washburn died on January 16 at his home in Oklahoma City, and the funeral service was held for him Friday in Bristow, about 70 miles (113 kilometers) northeast of the city.
His cousin Richard Wittman told KWTV in the city of Oklahoma that he was proud of Washburn not only for what he did on the day of the bombing, but for how he lived his whole life.
“So, in that case, he is a hero in the way he is able to function, make a way of life, work, everyday life,” Wittman said.
Washburn has and operates a snack bar on the fourth floor of the Alfred P.
Murrah building when a truck bomb rips the structure on April 19, 1995, killing 168 people.
Four customers and an employee were at the snack bar when the explosion occurred.
In an interview recorded for the National Warning and National Museum of Oklahoma City, Washburn described how he led his customers and employees from his snack bar.
“I have the advantage because they can’t see.
I feel like that you know, this is one time you know you want to try to help someone as much as you can.
I know how to come out.
I just don’t know what will hinder us,” Washburn said.
Princella Smith, one of Washburn’s friends, said during his funeral that his heart “illuminated darkness” on the day of the bombing and helped lead people for salvation.
“He told them to line up, and march down the stairs.
He said,” You have to come.
We have to get out of here, “Smith said.
Washburn is a member of Tribe Yuchi in Oklahoma.