Pastor Charles Henry Ashman, 87, lived his earthly life in such a godly way and peacefully departed to be with the Lord whom he adored with all his heart at 4:50 a.m. March 21, 2012, in Grace Village Retirement Community, 337 Grace Village Drive, Winona Lake.
He was born June 1, 1924, in Johnstown, Pa., to Charles H. Sr. and Flora Brown Ashman. He met Frances M. Bradley, his wife to be, at youth rallies and summer church camp. They were married July 12, 1946, in Compton, California. She died Feb. 21, 2012.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from Westmont College in 1947 and he and Frances, a graduate of the Bible Institute of Los Angeles, headed to Grace Seminary, Winona Lake, where he graduated in 1950 MDiv., Magna Cum Laude.
His first pastorate was at First Brethren Church, in Rittman, Ohio, and it was there that their children were born. The family moved to Phoenix, Ariz., in 1955, where he served the Grace Brethren Church.
In 1962, he became pastor of Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church. In 1969 he was asked to teach part-time at Grace College as well. He taught mostly seminary courses in the Pastoral Theology field, English Bible and Beginning Greek. Students appreciated his insight and experience, as a one alumnus comments: “Pastor Ashman was very knowledgeable and taught in such a practical way. To this day, I still use and remember many things he taught us in my current leadership roles in our church.”
He was a resident of Kosciusko County for the past 50 years, where he remained a member of Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church that he pastored, and past member of the Warsaw Kiwanis Club.
He leaves behind, and will be lovingly remembered by his two sons, Ken W. (and spouse Becky) Ashman, Gallatin, Tenn., and Karl W. (and spouse Patti) Ashman, Wildwood, Mo.; a daughter, Judy Kay (and spouse Rick) Fairman, Lititz, Pa.; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He also was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and three brothers.
Service will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church, 1200 Kings Highway, Winona Lake, officiated by Pastor Bruce Barlow. Burial will be private at Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.
Calling will be private.
Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, is in charge of arrangements. ***** Memorial may be directed to Integrated Community Development International, P.O. Box 247, Winona Lake, IN 46590 and would be appreciated by his family.
Condolences may be sent via www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com
