Van Ashton 78, of Livermore, Kentucky, affectionately known as ‘Brother Van’ or ‘Papaw’ went home to be with the Lord on Monday, July 22, 2024 at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital surrounded by the love and prayers of both his family and friends. Vanis Lee Ashton was born October 10, 1945 in Calhoun, Kentucky to the late Woodson Edward and Ora Mae Case Ashton and was married to the former Lillie Patricia Ranburger (Hinton) on April 19, 1965. His life journey was one marked by dedication to faith, family, and community.
Brother Van led a life of service and commitment as a life-long Pentecostal Minister, touching countless lives with his spirit-filled sermons and passionate guidance. His work extended beyond the pulpit, as he was also known for his time at B.F. Evans Ford in Livermore, where he retired, and as a bus driver for the McLean County Board of Education. A proud U.S. Navy Veteran, Van carried the principles of honor and discipline throughout his life.
Papaw Van’s interests painted the portrait of a man who found joy in simple pleasures and shared passions. He was a talented musician who could play many instruments, often gracing his family and friends with music that would uplift and inspire. Van enjoyed spending time on the golf course. His love for music was only matched by his dedication to his deeply conservative political views, which he often promoted and always defended with vigor, earning him a playful reputation for his many “stays” in Facebook jail.
As a die-hard conservative, Van was never shy about expressing his beliefs, yet he remained a friendly and approachable figure within his community. His involvement with Bethel Outreach in Livermore was a testament to his desire to serve and connect with others, fostering a sense of fellowship and support.
His friendly demeanor, passionate soul, and spirited nature made him a beacon of light in the lives of those who knew him. His passing leaves a void that will be felt by many, but his legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts and memories of his loved and cherished ones. Van’s story is one of faith, fortitude, and an enduring commitment to the values he held dear. Brother Van’s journey on earth has concluded, but his spirit will forever remain a guiding force for all who were blessed to know him.
In addition to his parents, Van was preceded in death by his brother, Carl Ashton and by a great-granddaughter, Magnolia Lane Logsdon.
Van is survived by his wife of 59 years, Pat Ashton; two daughters, Stacey Logsdon (Kevin) of Livermore and Chera Logsdon (PJ) of Poplar Grove; Jeremy Neff (Tisha) and their family of Louisville, a man who Van took under his wing at his church; seven grandchildren, Seth Daugherty (Jordan), Drew Daugherty, Allie Kirk (Josh), Jake Logsdon (Emily), Annsley Christian (Elijah), Mollie Miller (Jacob), and Saulyer Logsdon (Kamryn Leisure); eight great-grandchildren, William Daugherty, Moses Kirk, Judah Kirk, Paul James Logsdon, Pierce Daugherty, Georgia Logsdon, Woodson Miller, and Jonah Stallings; a sister, Judy Frizzell of Calhoun; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, July 25, 2024 at Muster Funeral Homes, Livermore Chapel. Burial will be in the Poplar Grove Cemetery in McLean County with Military Honors conducted by the McLean County Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post # 5415. Friends may visit with Brother Van’s family from 3:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Wednesday and from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. Thursday at Musters in Livermore.
Brother Van’s services will be streamed live on musterfuneralhomes.com at 11:00 A.M. Thursday.