Howard Ashley, 1931-2007

Published Friday, June 22, 2007

Howard Arnold Ashley, 76, of Columbia died Wednesday, June 20, 2007, at his home.

A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 1, at First Presbyterian Church, 16 Hitt St., with the Rev. Richard Ramsey officiating.

Howard was born in Indianapolis, the son of Paul and Esther Ashley. He was joined in marriage to Jane Ellen Grace on May 20, 1972.

Howard was a member of First Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder, choir member and chairman of the Worship Committee. He was a member of the Columbia Kiwanis Club, serving as the vice president and president elect, and was a recipient of the Human and Spiritual Values Award.

Howard was a faculty member of the Stephens College Theatre Department for 34 years. He published a stage management textbook. He taught at the Okoboji Summer Theatre in Iowa and the Perry-Mansfield Dance Camp in Steamboat Springs, Colo.

Howard is survived by his wife, Jane; his son, Paul Edward and wife Amy Lauren Ashley; granddaughters Madeline Grace and Sawyer Elizabeth Ashley; brother Paul William Ashley; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; niece Paula Sue Ashley; and nephew John S. Stanley.

Memorials may be given to First Presbyterian Church, the Stephens College Theatre Department or the Columbia Kiwanis Club Memorial Trust Fund.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Funeral Service and Crematory, 449-4153.