Kendall Hubert Ashford, 92, Iola, died Sunday, Feb. 19, 2017, at Windsor Place in Iola.
Kendall was born Aug. 9, 1924, in Iola to Henry Tully and Anna Estelle (Smith) Ashford. He graduated from Iola High School in May 1942 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in June 1943. He served in the Pacific and received citations for bravery during both the Iwo Jima and Lingayen Gulf campaigns. He received an honorable discharge in December 1945. He wrote a short history of his World War II days that is on file at the Iola Public Library.
Kendall married Shirley Ann Agin on Oct. 11, 1953, in Iola. He was employed by the Monarch Cement Company from March 1951 until January 1987. He then worked at the Allen County Courthouse for over 20 years.
He played in the Iola City Band for 52 years, was involved in Iola Community Theatre, the Iola Symphony Orchestra and the Bowlus Fine Arts Center for many years, and played in various dance bands throughout his life. Kendall also made many surveys in Allen County and surrounding counties. His footprints covered a lot of territory.
He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Iola, the Lions Club and the American Legion.
Kendall is survived by his wife, Shirley, of the home; children Kathryn Ashford, David Ashford, Jeff Ashford and Steven Ashford, all of the Kansas City area; 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Charles Harrison Ashford and Isabelle McGuire.
A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church in Iola, with visitation there an hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery at Iola. Contributions in his memory may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Iola Community Theatre or Iola City Band. Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.
Kendall Ashford
