William F. (Bill) Ashton

William F. (Bill) Ashton, 72, of Ballinger passed away Saturday, May 24, 2008 at Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo.

He was born on February 21, 1936 in Ballinger to Aubrey and Clara Belle (Clayton) Ashton. He owned and operated a motel in Red River, NM for several years before moving back to Ballinger. He loved to spend his time tinkering with lawnmowers and bicycles, was a collector of pocket knives, and enjoyed attending vintage car shows.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Steve Ashton.

He is survived by his daughters, Pamela Ross and husband, Blaine of Albuquerque, NM and Debbie Melzo and husband, Bill of Belen, NM; three grandchildren, Nick, Tami and Kelly Melzo; a sister-in-law, Evelyn Ashton of San Angelo; and gal-pal, Beth Bumgardner of Ballinger.

A visitation time for family and friends will be held on Wednesday May 28, 2008 from 7:00 to 8:00 PM at Lange Funeral Home Chapel in Ballinger. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 29 at 2:00 PM also at Lange Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.