Richard A. Aeschliman Sr.

Richard Anthony “Ash” Aeschliman, 86, departed this life September 7, 2025 into the arms of his precious Savior and the fellowship of the saints. Eternal Hills Funeral Home in Snellville, Georgia will oversee the arrangements. A memorial service will be held at Parkview Church in Lilburn, Georgia on Saturday, September 13th at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ash’s memory to the Committee on Discipleship Ministries (CDM), a ministry he served in for 25+ years.

Richard was born February 28, 1939, to Evelyn Eichler Aeschliman and Louis Frances Aeschliman of Memphis, TN. He went to Belhaven College where he met the love of his life, Sandra Elizabeth Matthews, whom he married in 1962. Sandra was the one who first dubbed him “Ash”, and the nickname stuck for those who knew him best. They spent 49 years building a life in service to the Lord and in devotion to their 4 children and 10 grandchildren. His personal life was filled with many family adventures too numerous to count but always steeped in love and laughter.

Ash graduated from Belhaven College in 1961 and went on to earn his Master of Divinity from Covenant Theological Seminary becoming ordained in the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Evangelical Synod (RPCES). His Christian ministry took him to many places in many roles. He pastored two churches: Hazelwood Presbyterian in Hazelwood, MO and Westminster Presbyterian in Elgin, IL. He transitioned into an administrative public relations role with Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO before becoming the Director of Development for the RPCES North Presbyterian Missions. When the RPCES was received into the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) in 1982, he moved to Stone Mountain, GA, soon joining Charles Dunahoo at Christian Education & Publications (CE/P), now CDM, and where he remained until his retirement.

Later in life, Ash met Betsy Christiansen with whom he lovingly shared 10 years of marriage. As she led MTW quarterly short-term medical mission trips, he was her faithful “home team” support. He ministered alongside her on two of these trips, to Trinidad, in 2016 and 2017.

Ash was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Aeschliman, and grandson, Jake Dunahoo. He is survived by his wife, Betsy Aeschliman; his children, Missy Lochstampfor (Michael) of Gainesville, GA, Libby Dunahoo (John) of Flowery Branch, GA, Rich Aeschliman, Jr of Sharpsburg, GA, Rachel McVey (Will) of Braselton, GA; his grandchildren, Harrison, Trent, Matthew, Nathan, Madison, Conner, Autumn, Brady, and Cole; and his great granddaughter, Leighton. His is also survived by the extended Christiansen family including the Phillips and the Fanchers.

His soul has found its resting place in the glory of Emmanuel's land. He has fought the good fight and has finished the race. To God be all the praise.