In Loving Memory Edwin R. Ashby 10/3/1927 - 12/31/2009 JEFFERSON – Edwin R. Ashby, 82, of Israels River Road, died Thursday December 31, 2009 at Weeks Medical Center, Lancaster.   Mr. Ashby was born in New Loudon, NH, on October 3, 1927, the son of Ralph E. and Rosiana (Vailancourt) Ashby.   Edwin had a long military career spanning many years.  He first served several years with the US Navy and then 20 years with the US Air Force.  He was a highly decorated three war veteran involved with many divisions of the military including the Sea-Bees, Underwater Demolition Team, Scout & Raiders, Navy Seals and was also a Navy Frogman.  His duty included a tour in the Pacific Theater during WWII and he worked with missile systems while in the Air Force.  After his military retirement he worked as a lineman for Verizon telephone.    He was a lifetime member of VFW and American Legion having served as past district and Post Commander of the VFW.  He was also a Third Degree member of the Odd Fellows.   Ed has received several awards from Veterans Associations and community service programs for his diligent efforts to support local programs and raise money.   Family members include his wife Marilyn (Robinson) Ashby of Jefferson; two sons Scott E. Ashby of Hill, NH, Paul R. Ashby of Interlachen, FL; a daughter, Lynn R. Abramovich of Monroe, NC; 7 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.  Two brothers, Dale V. Ashby and James R. Ashby, predeceased him.   Visiting hours will be held Tuesday evening, January 5, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Bailey Funeral Home, Lancaster.  A committal service with military honors will be held Wednesday morning at 11:30 AM in the State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen.  In lieu of flowers donations maybe made in his memory to the WMRHS, Spartan Battalion, JROTC Program, 127 Regional Rd., Whitefield, NH 03598 or to Breathe New Hampshire, 9 Cedarwood Drive, Unit 12, Bedford, NH 03110, Attn: Memorial Gifts. Online Condolences From: Bill and Barbara Jones   Whitefield NH Relationship:  friend Marilyn and family, We are very sorry to hear about Ed.. He will be missed by many and hope that his work continues. Sent:  1/1/2010 From: Jennifer & Norm Frazee   Nantucket MA Relationship:  family friends Scotty, Jamie & Janet and extended families, We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May you find comfort knowing that your grandpa is pain free now living in peace. xoxo Sent:  1/1/2010 From: Micky and Judy Forbes   Lancaster NH Relationship:  friends Marilyn and family, So sorry to learn about Ed. Our hearts and prayer are with you all at this sad time. Mickyand Judy Sent:  1/1/2010 From: Don & Sue Saucier   Jefferson New Hampshire Relationship:  Friends Marilyn and the Family Don and I want to offer our sincere condolences to all of you. Tammy, Scott, Cathy and Chris also send their sympathy.Ed was a very good man and will be missed by many. Every time we see a little flag on a car antenna our thoughts will be with him. Sent:  1/3/2010 From: Caryn Whitney   lancaster n.h. Relationship:  friend To Marilyn and family, My sympathy to you all at this sad time. My thought and prayers are with you. Caryn Whitney Sent:  1/3/2010 From: John and Sandra MacKillop   Lancaster NH Relationship:  friend We were sadden too hear about Ed's passing.His voice was one that you could not forget when ever he called he never had to say who he was. we just knew.God Bless all Sent:  1/3/2010 From: JOSEPH JACKSON SR   WHITEFIELD NH Relationship:  FRIEND ed was a good friend and very good to me. since learning that i also have been diagagnosed with copd. he always tryed to call me to see how i was breathing ,and show his concern this was greatly appriciated . i will miss his vists over the phone, my deepest sympathy. Sent:  1/3/2010 From: WMRHS Army JROTC   Whitefield NH Relationship:  Friend Mr. Edwin Ashby was a great American and someone who truly cared about veterans. He had a special place in his heart for cadets in the JROTC program at the White Mountains Regional High School. He was instrumental in helping establish the program in 1996 and was a huge supporter of the program from its inception. Year after year, Ed would provide a generous donation to the JROTC program that was used to help cadets pay college or to help fund educational field trips. He raised the funds through the sale of patriotic American antenna Flags. Ed understood the importance and value of the JROTC program and realized the difference it makes in the lives of young Americans. He will be truly missed. On behalf of all of the WMRHS JROTC cadets, instructors and school staff, our sincere sympathies. Sent:  1/5/2010 From: Jamie Odey Casarano   Belmont NH Relationship:  Family Friend Marilyn and family I was very saddened to hear about Ed..My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Jamie Sent:  1/5/2010 Send an Online Condolence   View Printer-Friendly Page