John H. Ashby

John H. Ashby, age 100, of Germantown, Ohio, passed away peacefully Monday, July 28, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio, with loving family by his side. He was born in Centertown, Kentucky, on March 16, 1925, son of the late Helen (Minton) and F.E. Ashby. At the age 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WWII and served as a gunner's mate in turret #3 on the USS Maryland, one of our nation's most renowned battleships. John was a part of the "Greatest Generation" and fought in eight campaigns in the Pacific Theater including the Battle of Midway, Tarawa, Kwajalein, Saipan, Palu Islands, Leyte Gulf and Okinawa, where many lives of his fellow sailors were lost. He was a major contributor to the book, "Avenging Pearl Harbor" written by Keith Warren Lloyd. According to the author, John was the only living contributor to the book. John retired from General Motors ~ Harrison Radiator Division after 35 years of service. He was proud to be President of the Veteran's Memorial Museum in Germantown, for many years, up to the day he passed. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Edna L. (Cole) Ashby in 2019. John is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly "Kim" and Allen Thorn; 2 grandchildren, Ashley (Jeff) Downs and Alexander (Bethany) Thorn; 2 great-grandsons, Nolan & Oliver Downs; his 2 sisters-in-law, Frankie (Jerry) Ginter and Velma (Ralph) Brewer. A Graveside Service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, August 1, 2025, at Germantown Union Cemetery, with Dr. Roger D. Greene officiating. If desired memorial contributions may be made to the Veteran's Memorial Museum Foundation, 123 S. Main St, Germantown, OH 45327. Dalton Funeral Home, Germantown serving the family. Please share condolences to daltonfh.net