SOUTH PLYMOUTH – Louis W. Ashton, 73, longtime resident of South Plymouth, passed away early Sunday morning, July 5, 2009 at the Wilson Regional Medical Center in Johnson City.
Lou was born in Norwich in October of 1935, the son of J. Stanley and Maude Allen Ashton. He grew up in the Norwich area, where he attended the Norwich schools. On July 12, 1958, he married Shirley Wightman Ashton, who passed away Oct. 10, 1993 and on Jan. 28, 2007, he married Erma Smith, who survives. Lou lived in the Buffalo area for a short period of time, where he was employed by the Custom Craft Boat Co. In the early 1960s, Lou and his family moved back to the area, making his home in South Plymouth for over 50 years. Over the years, he was employed by the Norwich City Schools as a bus driver.
Lou was a very diverse and challenging person with each of his children having a different view of his life He loved being a “slap-stick jokester” and you never knew when or where. An avid collector, Lou enjoyed traveling the countryside checking out all the garage sales. Talented in woodcrafting, he was excellent in his woodworking skills and over the years had built many items. In his quiet time, he enjoyed reading a good book.
Lou is survived by his wife Erma of South Plymouth; his children and their spouses: Richard Ashton and Martin Ashton, both of New Berlin, Rick and Patti Ashton of Saranac Lake, Tim and Cindy Ashton of Norwich, Larry and Tina Ashton of Norwich, John and Rita Ashton of Smyrna, Betty Jo and Les Bronson of Nicholson, Pa., Earl and Holly Ashton of Mosinee, Wisc., JoAnn and John Money of Greene and Rebecca Dixson of South New Berlin; 15 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his sisters, Geraldine and her husband Pete and Sheila, and his wife’s children Bev Jackson, Jeanne Frey, Janet Strafella, Arthur “Chip” Titus and Esther Nightengale.
Besides his first wife Shirley, Lou was predeceased by four grandchildren: Loretta, James and Robert Ashton and Ian Ashton.
Funeral services for Lou will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Ralph Hinman, pastor of the Bible Baptist Church of Norwich, will officiate. Interment will be in the South Plymouth Cemetery. Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m.
Please consider memorial contributions to the Plymouth Rescue Squad, PO Box 112, Plymouth NY 13832.