Sammy Ashley 1926-2015
Sammy L. Ashley, 89, Denison, died Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015 at Midland Care Hospice House in Topeka.
He was born Aug. 3, 1926, in Topeka, the son of Moorman and Myrtle Orrick Ashley. He attended Topeka High School and received an honorary diploma in 2004.
Mr. Ashley joined the U.S. Navy and served for three years during World War II, then joined the U.S. Air Force and served from 1948 to 1952. He was an “atomic veteran” who was exposed to ionizing radiation at the Nevada Test Site during operation Tumbler-Snapper in May of 1952. He later was a sheet metal worker with McElroy’s in Topeka for 35 years. After retiring, he mowed for Holton USD 336 for 21 years.
He was a member of Sheet Metal Union Local 2 and a member of Holton VFW Post 1367.
He married E. June Herring on June 27, 1953, in Tucumcari, N.M. She survives.
Other survivors include three sons, Randall Ashley and wife Jennisse, Poway, Calif., Sammy K. Ashley and wife Fe, Denison, and Tim Ashley and wife Leslie, Apple Valley, Calif.; a daughter, Jana Harrison and husband Roger, Leavenworth; a sister, Norma Tsukamoto, San Jose, Calif.; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Helen Parks; and three brothers, L.D., Glen and Joe Ashley.
Funeral services were held Monday at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial with full military honors followed in Valley Falls Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army or Heart of Jackson Humane Society, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.
