Richard Paul Ashcraft, Lawrence, KS, was born March 27, 1935 in Ness City, Kansas to Cloyd Pennington and Ruby Owens Pennington. As a toddler, Dick’s father died and he was adopted by Willard Lee and Ruth Orr Ashcraft. Dick grew up in Newton, Kansas, attending Cooper Elementary School, Newton Junior High and graduating from Newton High School in 1953. He enjoyed his high school years, especially playing trumpet in the band and serving as a drum major. Class reunions were a highlight of his later years and he surely enjoyed his tight-knit graduating class. Dick served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1958 on active duty, followed by two years of inactive duty.
Dick was married to Susan Fagan Ashcraft, his tennis partner. She survives. To this happy union were born James Richard Ashcraft and Erin Sue Ashcraft, who survive, of Lawrence. Other survivors include sister Elaine Dill of Hugoton, Kansas, and numerous nephews and nieces. Dick was preceded in death by eight brothers and sisters in the Pennington family. Ashcrafts preceding Dick in death were: brothers Glen, Carroll, and Leroy, all of Newton, and sister Norma, of Hesston.
Dick worked at many jobs, including positions with Pepsi Cola, Santa Fe Railroad, Household Finance, Douglas County Bank, and Berry Plastics. His true calling was as a husband and father, and he excelled at those vocations. His interests included golf, tennis, traveling, reading, cheering on his kids in their many endeavours, and following Sue wherever she took him. He was a founding member of the Zigfield Vollies volleyball team and spent many years proudly ushering at home KU sporting events.
Dick passed away on November 18, 2020. A celebration of his life will be scheduled in the future when it is safe to gather. Memorials to Dick are welcome to the Douglas County 4-H Foundation, in care of the K-State Research and Extension, Douglas County, 2110 Harper St., Lawrence, KS 66046.
Sue, Jim and Erin,
Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. I have so many wonderful memories of my times with your family when the kids were young. I will remember Dick’s smile and his kind nature. Hugs to you all!!!
Teri
Dear Ashcraft Family and especially, Erin: I am so sorry for your loss and send my good wishes for long happy memories of a wonderful father and husband.
Mrs. Ashcraft I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. Prayers with you and your family at this time. Love from your former 5th grade student.
Rodger and I send our deep sympathy to you all at this time of loss. What a very special man. We are thinking of you.
Sue, Jim, and family, We are so sorry for your loss.
Sue, Jim & Erin,
I am sorry for your loss of Dick. It was always so apparent that he loved his family very much. May your sweet memories sustain you during this difficult time.
Sue, Erin and Jim, I was so sorry to read of Dick’s passing this morning. I immediately texted Berkley and we were reminiscing about the old neighborhood. Dick giving me relentless trash about wearing “sissy” socks with my golf shoes. Although Melody I have not seen him or your family in years, you are never far from my thoughts. Dick and his ever-present smile will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and deep sympathy are with you.
Love, Joe
Sue and family. I’m so sorry to hear about Dick’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
To Sue and your children, Please accept my condolences on the death of Dick. He was my uncle, as his sister, Etta Jean Darnall, was my Mother. I have fond memories of him on our visits over the years.