Robert L. Ashmore Sr.

ROBERT L. "BOB" ASHMORE, SR., 93, of Charleston, WV departed this life Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Genesis Marmet Center.
He was born September 28, 1932 in Spartanburg, SC. A son of the late, Otis L. and Fannie (McCravy) Ashmore.
He grew up and attended schools on Charleston's west side. At age eight he received and learned to play the Clarinet after music lessons which resulted in a love of music and performing in junior high and high school bands.
Also at the age of eight, Bob met a newcomer to the neighborhood, Joan Bradley, also at the age of eight. They grew up in the same neighborhood and attended junior high and high school together. Both graduated from high school in 1951. After working through the summer of 1951, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force. After completing training at Sampson AFB near Geneva, NY., he was assigned to the 581st A.F. Band at Mitchell AFB, Long Island, NY., where he served his term of enlistment.
In June, 1952, high school sweethearts Bob and Joan were married and moved into enlisted personnel housing on base. Son, Robert Jr., was born in May 1954. On September 1, 1955 Bob was honorably discharged from the Air Force after serving his four-year term of enlistment.
The small Ashmore family relocated to Morgantown, WV., where Bob enrolled in WVU under the GI Bill. In 1958 the family returned to Charleston, WV., and Bob was employed by United Fuel Gas Company, later known as Columbia Gas Transmission Corp. Daughter, Brenda was born March 22, 1959. After 29 years with Columbia Gas, Bob opted to take early retirement which was offered to certain qualified employees. Bob then went from part-time to full time professional photographer with a studio on Lee Street West. Through the years, Bob photographed a thousand weddings as well as school proms, reunions, sports teams and special events.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joan and sister, Dorothy Ashmore.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving children, Robert Ashmore, Jr. (Donna) and daughter, Brenda Fisher (Dennis); grandchildren, Derek Fisher (Erica), Taylor Fisher (Grace) and four great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m., Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Good Shepherd Mortuary, South Charleston. Bob will be laid to rest in the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar with military graveside rites being performed.
Family and friends will gather for a time of visitation one hour prior to the service at the mortuary.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.goodshepherdmortuarywv.com.
Good Shepherd Mortuary 335 Fifth Avenue, South Charleston, WV 25303 has been entrusted with the arrangements.