Clarence William Ashbaugh

Clarence William (Bill) Ashbaugh, 90, of Astoria, Oregon, passed away peacefully with family at his side on Friday, July 15, 2016.

He was born on May 13, 1926, to John H. Ashbaugh and Edna E. (Dennis) Ashbaugh in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, the third of four sons. The family later moved to Fruitland, Idaho, where Bill grew up and attended school.

He enlisted in the Navy in May 1944, serving during World War II. He was awarded an honorable discharge in March 1947, and returned to Idaho to work.

On July 10, 1948, he married Virginia Lee Moore. In 1950, he was called back to active duty during the Korean War. He was stationed at the Tongue Point Naval Station in Astoria, Oregon. He was later discharged in 1952. He was proud to serve his country for the freedoms we all share.

Bill and Virginia made Astoria their lifelong home. Bill began working as a longshoreman prior to his discharge from the Navy, and he was very proud of his 36-year career. He was also a proud member of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 50. He was a member of Grace Episcopal Church and served on the vestry, and as the church handyman. He was a local Boy Scout leader, and was known for his kindness and helpfulness to his friends and neighbors. He loved camping, fishing, traveling, gardening and working on his family home.

Bill retired in 1988, and he and Virginia spent the next two decades traveling, primarily to Yuma, Arizona, where they enjoyed their winters free from the rain and cold. They moved back to Astoria five years ago to be closer to family.

Bill is survived by his wife, Virginia; daughters Linda (Tom) Castro of Astoria, Oregon, and Kandy (Kai) Reiss of Garden Grove, California; three grandchildren, Anthony Kelly (Ana Zolatas) of Astoria, Oregon, Sara Kelly (Olajuwon Jones) of Sacramento, California, and Colton Ashbaugh of Arlington, Texas; two step-grandsons, Jerry (Meredith) Castro of Kelso, Washington, and David (Stephanie) Castro of Mira Loma, California; three great-grandchildren, Hunter Kelly of Astoria, Oregon, and Layla Kelly and Olajuwon Jones Jr. of Sacramento, California; and two step-great-grandchildren, Malynne and J.D. Castro of Kelso, Washington.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Edna; a stepfather, Roy Shaw; his three brothers, Floyd, Jack and Robert; and his son, Bill Joe Ashbaugh.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016, at 2 p.m., at Grace Episcopal Church, 1545 Franklin Ave., Astoria, Oregon. A reception will follow at the church Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the charity of one’s choice.