ASHFORD, O'Donald Dean

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, Arizona Published Wednesday, September 29, 2010 O’Donald Dean Ashford was born on Oct. 15, 1933, and passed away Sept 19, 2010. He was born in Stanberry, Mo. — Sentry County. He passed away peacefully in the loving care of his family in Lake Havasu City. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Arlene Metzger Ashford, and his dog, Bear. They recently celebrated 59 years of marriage Sept. 2. She is the love of his life. He is also survived by his two sons, William Bruce Ashford, and Michael Eric Ashford, and their wives Sherri and Kathrin. He spent the majority of his life in Manhattan Beach, Calif., where all of his grandchildren were born. Don was a plasterer by trade, and owned his own business for 20 years serving the entire L.A. County. He built both of the homes where his family resided in Manhattan Beach and Lake Havasu City. He enjoyed fishing for salmon and halibut in Alaska and Mexico. His passions included hunting, off road motorcycling, golfing, playing cards, and pinochle. Don and Barbara enjoyed vacationing together everywhere from Alaska to Las Vegas to the Caribbean. He enjoyed spending his free time camping, fishing, boating, and playing with street rods. He loved teaching his grandchildren life skills, the importance of hard work, responsibility and respect. He had a great sense of humor, and always an interesting story to tell. He loved his family and nothing made him happier than spending time with those he loved and cared about (including many adopted family members). Don and Barbara have always opened their home to friends, family, and those in need and have never had an empty dinner table. Dinners on Sunday consisted of 20 or more people, and were one of Don’s favorite pastimes. Don’s parents are Frederick and Thelma McCarty Ashford. Don was a wonderful grandfather and example to his six grandchildren. His grandchildren include Jeanna Marie Ashford, Eric Joseph Ashford and wife, Trisha Kaye Ashford, Chad O’Donald Ashford and wife, Jodi Lyn Ashford, Renee Michelle Ashford, Cole Michael Ashford, and Hannah Darlene Ashford. His great-grandchildren include Schyler Alexis Perez, Aiden Todd Ashford, Ivan O’Donald Ashford, Elizabeth Ann Ashford, and Shaelynn Marie Ashford. The sixth great-grandchild, Logan or Alyssa Ashford, will arrive in May of this coming year. Don spent the first four years of his life in Stanberry, Mo. Following his time in Missouri, he moved to L.A. with his siblings. His brothers and sisters are: Frederick William Ashford (Jay), Richard Eugene Ashford (Dick), Dolores Aileen Ashford (Dee Dee), Rex Leo Ashford, Patricia Ann Ashford (Pat), Francis Diane Ashford (Diane), and Mary Louise Ashford. Don will be greatly missed by his family and loved ones. He made an unforgettable impression upon the lives of all of those he touched. Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.