David Jefferson Ashmore

David Jefferson Ashmore May 3, 1953 - May 1, 2021 David J. Ashmore was born in St. Louis, Missouri on May 3, 1953 to James Elwin Ashmore and Lottie Holt Ashmore. He was the oldest of four children - brothers Robert and Edward, and sister Jane. David spent the first five years of his life in Cambridge, Massachusetts, then moved to Indianapolis. When David was thirteen years old, his family spent a year in Munich, Germany. The year in Germany profoundly impacted David, and he learned to speak German fluently during his year abroad. As a child, David was an avid student, always curious, especially about living things. His love of nature was an extension of his interest in the spiritual, an interest he held his entire life. David always looked for the best in people. Even as a child, David possessed a deep capacity for connecting with people, a talent that would serve him throughout his life. Dave graduated from North Central High School in Indianapolis and attended college at Indiana University to earn a Master's Degree in Toxicology. David spent his career in science, developing new technologies for Tambrands in Massachusetts, then Roche Diagnostics in Indianapolis. David's faith in God was incredibly strong, especially after his near death experience in a car accident at the age of twenty-three. He had an unshakeable faith in his Creator, and a huge heart for serving others. At the same time, he had a passion for science and used his knowledge and training to improve the lives of others. For David, science and religion could co-exist peacefully, and he said that he never felt like he needed to "check his mind at the door" to follow his belief in Christ. David loved being a father and grandfather, and he invested an incredible amount of time and love into his family. He enjoyed taking walks in the woods, camping, fishing, and playing the guitar. His favorite place to see the world was from the seat of his bicycle, and he took long bike rides whenever he got the chance. His love of bicycling started when he was a young boy and only grew stronger through his retirement years. He loved taking bike rides with his beloved wife, Nancy, and felt happiest when he had the wind at his back along the Cardinal Greenway trail. David flourished in retirement years after Roche, where he found a heart for ministering to others through Christ. He began his second career as a Licensed Local Pastor in the United Methodist Church. He was the pastor at the Ingalls campus and the associate pastor at the main campus in Pendleton. He shared every gift that God gave him for the benefit of other people and impacted countless lives. He has been a Bible study and Worship leader - a Stephen's Ministry leader, Emmaus Walk sponsor, involved in the prison ministries of Kairos and Torch, and nursing home ministry. He loved singing his praises to God. He and Nancy shared common interests and hobbies, playing music, cooking and processing food, and their pets. Every hobby was approached in a scientific manner and as he said "You can take the scientist out of the lab, but not the lab out of the scientist". Their twelve years of marriage were the happiest of his life, he said, and that they are God's gift to each other. His Holy Spirit shone brighter and brighter this last year as he fought cancer. Dave is now living in paradise and continuing his praises to God. He will be reunited with Nancy in the future to continue their love forever. Dave can be reached by contacting and following Jesus Christ. David leaves behind wife Nancy Ashmore, daughter Elizabeth Garcia (Martin), daughter Erika Finn (Evan), three step-children: Joe Hartley (Esther), Julie Stutler (Dillon), and Sarah Hartley, six beloved grandchildren, his brother Rob (Jackie), sister Jane, three nieces and nephews, and countless friends and loved ones. He is preceded in death by both of his parents, his brother Edward, his nephew Steven, and two grandchildren, Vivian and Annemarie. To honor David's memory, please take a moment to spend time in nature and appreciate the beauty of God's creation. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a charitable donation to The Cardinal Greenways in his honor. (cardinalgreenways.org/donate) The family requests that you please share your memories of David on stpierrefamilyfuneral.com or in a letter to David's family. Visiting with family is Saturday, May 15th, from 1-3 pm at New Horizons UMC in Anderson.