Brent K. Ashabranner

1921 - 2016

BORN

1921

DIED

2016

Brent Ashabranner Obituary

WILLIAMSBURG - Of Williamsburg, VA passed away Dec. 1, 2016 at age 95. He was born in Shawnee, OK in 1921. He and his wife, Martha White Ashabranner, who survives him, moved to Williamsburg in 1988. They married at 19 and celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary in August. Besides his wife, he is survived by daughters Melissa Ashabranner (Jean-Keith Fagon) of Washington DC and Jennifer Ashabranner of Alexandria, VA; grandchildren Damian Fagon-Karraker, Giancarlo Fagon, and Olivia-Jene Fagon; and a great-grandson, Neo Lukas Fagon. He served in the US Navy as a Seabee in the Pacific during WWII. After graduating with a Masters in English, he taught at OSU for several years. In 1955 he accepted a position to do curriculum development in Ethiopia, leaving the US with his wife and two young daughters for the next 30 years. He worked in Libya, started the first Peace Corps Program in Nigeria, was the Peace Corps Director in India, and then the Deputy Director of the Peace Corps from 1967-1969. After serving for 10 years in the Philippines and Indonesia with the Ford Foundation, he retired in 1985. In his retirement he wrote over 30 books for junior readers on cross-cultural topics and won over 40 awards for this body of work. He will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date. He will be remembered by friends and family as a warm man with a great sense of humor, who lived his adventurous life with courage and integrity.

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Published by Virginia Gazette on Dec. 3, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Brent Ashabranner

12 Entries

Tondalaya Gillespie

November 28, 2020

I am rereading Brent's book on the founding of the Peace Corps.

Daniel Sharp

November 27, 2020

Fond memories of a great leader and fine friend at the Peace Corps.

Daniel Sharp

June 16, 2017

Fond memories of a great leader and friend.
Dan Sharp PC 1961-68

Steve Chicoine

May 28, 2017

Brent was a good friend, a wonderful writing mentor and a great man. I was blessed to have Brent in my life. The world was a better place because of Brent. My condolences to Martha, their beloved children and grandchildren. Brent will never be forgotten.

Tondalaya Gillespie

December 16, 2016

Brent was Country Directer when I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in India, never met him until after serving, such an impressive person, contributing so much that is positive, he made the Peace Corps shine; we will miss people like him. His book "A Moment in History" is a must read.

Michael Gannett

December 13, 2016

My wife Estelle and I briefly visited with Martha and Brent in their home this past March. I shared the 50th Reunion Booklet for India XVI (1965-67) and gifted a DVD of their interview with XVIer RPCVs Heather Millar and Jim White for the occasion of our Reunion in 2015. Our Peace Corps group served in India while he was Country Director. He was very alert. Both he and Martha were forthcoming about PC experiences. Not many from our group knew him well but that is not surprising since he oversaw 1500 PCVs at the time. I was happy to renew our acquaintanceship and to share in Peace Corps recollections.

I send heartfelt condolences to Martha, and Jennifer and Melissa of whom he spoke with loving enthusiasm.

Kathy Haskins

December 11, 2016

Dear Jennifer and family. So sad to learn of the passing of your father. He was such an accomplished man. Take comfort in your memories and remember your father, Brent, will always be safe in your hearts. Love Always - Kathy, Judi, Tiffany and Martini.

Preston Brock

December 10, 2016

Brent was a great man and a great writer. He will be missed by a lot of people. My condolences go out to his wife, Martha, their children, and grand children.

Frank Claunts

December 9, 2016

I remember Brent well-- a man with a wonderful down to earth sense of humor and great integrity. Whatever he said to Jack Hood Vaughn about me worked magic when Vaughn interviewed me and hired me to work on the Peace Corps staff in India in 1966. I will always remember Brent with great fondness, and with happy memories of India and the Peace Corps we experienced there in the mid 1960's.

December 6, 2016

We are sorry to learn of the passing of Brent, but grateful for his service to our nation, including his leadership in the Peace Corps.

Our Condolences,
The National Peace Corps Association

Katie Vereshchaka

December 4, 2016

An extraordinary gentleman with an extraordinary life! Many blessings to the Ashabranner Family. Mr. Ashabranner blessed many lives, throughout his lifetime. And his legacy continues through his children. Hugs all around.

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