Leo Franklin Ashley

L. Frank Ashley, 81 of Merriam, Kansas passed away Saturday July 4, 2009 at the Hospice House of Kansas City.

Frank was born June 14, 1928 to Leo and Ruth Ashley in La Harpe, Kansas. In 1943 his family moved to Iola, Kansas. He was a graduate of the Iola High School. He attended Iola Junior College until he enlisted in the Navy in 1948. He served as a disbursing clerk at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Washington D.C.

Frank married Velma Myers July 16, 1946 in Washington D.C. He was discharged in 1950 and they returned to Iola for a brief time before moving to Kansas City where Frank went to work as a freight rate clerk and auditor for truck lines.

He is proceeded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife Velma, and five children; Robert Ashley and wife Susie of Olathe, Kansas; Gwen Nunnally and husband Ken of Olathe, Kansas; Berl Ashley of Olathe, Kansas. Cheryl Stallsworth and husband Rick of Gardner, Kansas; John Ashley of Kansas City, Kansas; sister, Esther Sanborn and husband Robert of Tulsa, Oklahoma, along with four grandchildren, one great-grandson, and several nieces and nephews.

Frank enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He worked in several areas of the church and enjoyed sharing his music. Frank was a member of Bristol Hill United Methodist Church. He was their organist for 43 years. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Bristol Hill United Methodist Church.

Visitation and Memorial Service

Visitation will be 10:00-11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2009 followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at The Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee. Burial will occur after the service at Pleasant View Cemetery, Shawnee, Kansas.