Elmer Lee Ashburn Jr

Elmer Lee Ashburn, Jr. Elmer Lee Ashburn, Jr., 80, of Smithtown, passed away Friday, Aug. 9, 2013, at Monongalia General Hospital. Elmer was a graduate of Clay-Battelle High School and a proud veteran of the United States Navy. He joined the military at 17, serving on the USS Purdy during the Korean War. Although he was trained in electronics, the ship needed a Master of Arms and the ship's captain selected him to fill the roll. He excelled, rising to 1st Class Petty Officer in just over three years. After his honorable discharge, he was hired by the United States Postal Service, where he worked until his retirement. After retirement, he became an avid reader and history enthusiast. Elmer loved baseball. It didn't matter whether it was watching his sons play Little League when they were young or watching the Pittsburgh Pirates through the years, he enjoyed the game. He loved to talk about the great players he had seen and reminisce about great stadiums, players, and games of the past. Elmer also enjoyed living what he coined "the country life" in Smithtown. For years he could be found in the evening on his front porch or under a tree in the front yard, talking to a neighbor. He would always greet visitors with a smile and an offer to "pull up a chair". If Elmer thought highly of something, it was "A1". His sons, family and friends agree that as a father and person he was just that - "A1". He is survived by two sons, Mike Ashburn and his fiancée, Jane Carlin of Fairmont; Rich Ashburn and wife Gretchen of Denver; as well as their daughter, Harper. He is also survived by his longtime friend and companion, Shirley Tennant of Westover and her sons, Scott and Keith. After a private service, led by Pastor Jerry Teter, he was laid to rest at West Virginia National Cemetery in Grafton. Fred L. Jenkins Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences;fredjenkinsfuneralhome.com