Bruce Alan Ashcraft

With deep sorrow and enduring love, we announce the passing of Bruce Alan Ashcraft, who left this world surrounded by family and faith. A man of great heart, humor, and humility, he devoted his life to service, adventure, connection, and family. Bruce was born on November 3, 1951, in Columbus and passed away unexpectedly at home on April 23, 2025.

Bruce began his lifelong love of the fire service washing trucks for the Pataskala Fire Department before he was even out of high school. He became a member of the volunteer department for ten years and was later one of the founding members of the West Licking Joint Fire District. Bruce was active in the district, serving as a firefighter, paramedic, fire inspector, investigator, and Lieutenant during his 32-year professional career. He was also part of the Firefighters Association for over 50 years, helping to organize and run the Pataskala Street Fair.

Bruce loved the Lord with a faith that was strong and constant. He grew up in the Pataskala United Methodist Church and later became an active member of the Jersey Baptist Church. He was a member of the choir and passionate about singing. Bruce was a member of the church's Grow Group, Men's Golf Fellowship, and other small groups. His strong belief in God was the foundation of who he was, steady and unshakable.

He was a man of many passions. He found joy in golfing, off-roading on side-by-sides, hunting, traveling, member of the Pataskala Masonic Lodge 404 and racing his cherished 1970 Chevrolet Malibu, a car he first raced at 19. His adventurous spirit never faded. His professional life reflected that same energy, whether he was behind the wheel of a pole truck for the Electric Company, , driving tanker trucks for MatLack, then switched to dump trucks for Red Skin Trucking, delivering vehicles for Indiana Transport, or working as a car courier for Coughlin. He loved taking a route he had never seen before.

But more than anything, Bruce will be remembered for his heart. He never met a stranger anywhere he went; a new friend and a good conversation awaited him. He made people feel welcome, heard, and loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Marilyn (Hitt) Ashcraft; his great-nephew, Julian Welch; and brother-in-law, Melvin Smith.

Bruce met Kathleen at a milkshake stand and never looked away. He shared 55 beautiful years, and they were married for 50 of those years to his beloved wife, Kathleen (Watts) Ashcraft, and they built a legacy of love and faith. He is survived by his devoted children: Alan (Emily) Ashcraft, Nathan (Palma) Ashcraft, and Ann (Jonathan) Kesler, and cherished grandchildren: Harrison, Grant, Lauren, Megan, Oliver, Jocelyn, and Ellis. Also surviving are his loving sisters: Diana, Susan, Beverly, Linda, and Lisa; brother-in-law Mark (Cindy) Watts; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Though our hearts are heavy, we celebrate a well-lived life filled with laughter, purpose, and love. He touched the lives of so many, and his memory will continue to shine in the memories with which he blessed us.

Friends may call from 3-6 p.m. on Monday, April 28, 2025 at Jersey Church, 13260 Morse Rd. SW, New Albany, OH 43054. Funeral service will follow at 6:00 p.m. on Monday at the church with Pastor John Hays officiating. Private family interment.

In Lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Racers for Christ https://teamrfc.org/donate/ or the West Licking Firefighters Association.