Thomas Richard Ashby

1946 - 2018

Thomas Richard “Tom” Ashby, age 71 of Nampa, ID and formerly of Elwood and Frankton, died February 27, 2018 at his residence in Nampa, Idaho.  He was born September 17, 1946 in Elwood, Indiana to his parents, Ervin “Turk” and Mary Jane Ashby.  He was the oldest of three children with a brother, Roger, and a sister, Nancy.  Tom was drafted by the U.S. Army straight out of high school.  He served in the Vietnam War from May of 1966 to May of 1968, and honorably returned home to Frankton, Indiana.  Tom worked at Delco Remy; laid cement; and was also a brick mason.  Tom could take a pile of bricks and turn them into a masterpiece.  He was amazing with his hands, and had his own style of drawing, playing the piano, and laying stone.  He was also a great mechanic and was always willing to help in any way he could.  Simply put, there was not much that Tom Ashby couldn’t do.

He grew up in Frankton where he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his Grandpa Neff, and learned how to play the piano with his Granny Neff.  His love of cars came from his father, and his warm heart and soft soul came from his mother.  He loved his “Brother Ben” and his sister “Suzie”.  He had a great childhood and made many lifelong friends.  Tom’s first priority was his family.  He was proud to be a husband, dad and grandpa.  He also took great pride in being a hard worker and a determined provider for his family.  He worked his whole life and never complained.  He loved quality time with his family and friends.  Tom could tell stories and jokes like no other – often inappropriate but humorous. He had a hot temper, but he was soft hearted and showed unconditional love.  When you were with Tom, you were always having a fun time.  He never met a stranger and had a way of making everyone around him feel comfortable.

Tom was an avid outdoorsman.  He enjoyed hunting elk and deer, fishing, and mushroom hunting with family and friends.  He also liked to keep busy with home improvement projects.  He and his wife, Patty, enjoyed going on gambling adventures, and it was very entertaining to see him put a “hex” on the slot machines and poker tables.  He also enjoyed playing cards and watching sports.  Tom was always his grandkid’s biggest fan rooting and cheering louder than anyone.  A few of his favorite things to eat were “In-N-Out Burger”, “See’s Candy”, “Tommy’s Burger”, and cheese.  Tom wore many hats in his life.  He was a giving son and brother, a loving husband, a wonderful dad, an advisor, a supporter, a mentor, an artist, a comedian, a musician, a leader, and a best friend.  He gave great advice and shared his wisdom to all that had the privilege of knowing him.  Whether it be a nickname, a song, a skill, a story, a hug, a joke or a smile; all who knew him will have cherished memories.  Tom Ashby was a one of kind legend who was truly loved, will never be forgotten, and will be greatly missed.

Tom’s family legacy includes his wife, Patricia Ashby; 9 children, Carrie and Randy McCall, Shannon and Pete Mesa, Monique and Jared Bernacchi, Jeremiah Ashby, Michelle and Doug Mann, Tina and Cris, Christy and Shaun Staples, Kenneth and Willa Zappa, Tony and Lisa Zappa; brother, Roger and Carol Ashby; sister, Nancy Ashby; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and brothers and sisters by marriage.  He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Juanita Jeanette Ashby; and his youngest son, Errick Christopher Ashby.

A party and reception celebrating Tom’s life will be held on March 24, 2018 from 2 to 6 pm at the Nampa Elk’s Lodge, 1116 1st Street South, Nampa, ID. 83651.  Visitors are encouraged to bring a dish to share.  Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements, and online expressions of condolence may be made at copherfeslermay.com.