Robert James Ashley Sr.

Robert James Ashley Sr., 90, of Tonica died peacefully at home on August 26, 2018 after a one year battle with lung cancer.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Thursday in Immanuel Lutheran Church with Rev. Roger Helgren officiating. Burial will be in the old cemetery in Tonica with full military services conducted by the Tonica American Legion. Visitation will be in the church on Thursday from 9:00 AM until time of services. The Hurst Funeral Home in Tonica is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mr. Ashley was born in Spring Valley on January 15, 1928 to Howard and Frances (Wise) Ashley. He married Emma Lou Walling on October 8, 1950. He served with the US Army during the Korean War for two years. After his time in the in army, he farmed with his brother Jack.

Mr. Ashley was the owner of Ashley’s Arts, Craft, and Rock Shop. He drove the school bus for Tonica for 10 years. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, and flying. He also would sew quilt tops for his church. Mr. Ashley was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, a Mason, Cub Scout leader for over twenty years. He was a member of the Tonica American Legion where he served at Sgt. of Arms and secretary for the Tonica Telephone Board over 20 years. He was also an All-American Farmer through the FFA. For the last 28 years, he and Emma Lou enjoyed wintering at Saddlebag Lake Resort in Lake Wales, Florida.

Mr. Ashley is survived by his wife Emma Lou of Tonica; five sons Robert (Karen) Ashley Jr. of Tonica, William (Charlene) Ashley of Maggie Valley, NC, Ronald (Judy) Ashley of Perryburg, OH, Donald (Sue) Ashley, of La Salle, and Gary Ashley of La Salle; twelve grandchildren; two great grandsons; one brother Jack (Rita) Ashley of Tonica; and one sister Elizabeth Ann Ashley of Port Angeles, WA.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister Jean Nichols.

Pallbearers will be his sons and two grandsons Jeremey and Andrew Ashley.

Memorials may be directed toward IVCH Hospice or the Tonica Ambulance and Fire Department.

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