Byron Ashburn

Byron George Ashburn, age 87 of Chambersburg, PA passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at Quincy Village. Born March 4, 1926 in Altoona, PA, he was the son of the late Samuel George and Mildred Elizabeth Brubaker Ashburn.
A 1944 graduate of Altoona High School, Mr. Ashburn went on to serve honorably in the US Navy during WWII from 1944 until 1946. After his military commitment Mr. Ashburn attended the former Shippensburg State Teachers College, where he played on the football team and graduated in 1949 with a Bachelors Degree in Education. He went on to teach at James Buchanan High School for 20 years, where he also helped coach the High School Football Team.
A patriot, Byron not only served his country, but also dedicated his time to helping other veterans, his community, and being with family. He served on the Charles Nitterhouse VFW Honor Guard for many years and drove the Disabled American Veterans’ Van to transport veterans to their appointments at local VA hospitals. At various points in his life he also served as: Sunday school teacher, member of DAV PA Legislative Committee, Chair of the Homeless Veterans Commission, President of the Altoona Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees), Chairman of Letterkenny Installation-Wide Transition Team, Chairman of Franklin County Shelter for the Homeless, OSI board member, Prison board member and volunteered at the Capitol Theatre. He was a member of Chapel of the Four Chaplains, the VFW Post 1599, the DAV Chapter 78, The American Legion Post 46, Shippensburg University Alumni Association, Chambersburg Ostomy Support Group, the Civil Service Commission, National Education Association, and the Franklin County Chapter of Retired School Employees. He enjoyed football, spending time with family, especially his grandchildren, and traveling around the country with his wife in an R.V. in their retirement.
Surviving is his wife of 62 years, Jeanne Louse Kitzmiller Ashburn, whom he married on September 3, 1950; two sons, Curtis Byron Ashburn (wife Judy) of Washington, D.C. and Bradley Ray Ashburn (wife Ann) of Waynesboro, PA; and five grandchildren, Jonathan, Matthew, Rebekah, Mitchell, and Kristina Ashburn. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Gregg Alan Ashburn.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 6, 2013 at 10 AM in the Chapel of Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Rd., Chambersburg, PA; where Rev. Dr. Neal O. Hively will officiate. The family will receive friends for visitation on Sunday, May 5, 2013 from 6-8 PM and on Monday one hour prior to the funeral service. Interment will follow the service in Lincoln Cemetery, where military honors will be provided by members of the Charles Nitterhouse Post 1599 VFW Honor Guard. If desired, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Charles Nitterhouse Post 1599 Honor Guard, 747 S. Fourth St., Chambersburg, PA 17201.