Harold Hall Ashton

Harold Hall Ashton, 95, a retired US Navy B-24 Liberator and Commander, died September 16, 2014 in Arlington, VA. Mr. Ashton was born in Shedd, Oregon on May 28, 1919 and joined the Navy in 1941. While in the Navy, he flew over 100 missions from England, French Morocco, and the Marianna Islands and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross as well as several air medals. After leaving the Navy, Mr. Ashton spent 30 years at Kaiser Cement Company in Oakland, CA and retired as the Northern California Sales Manager. After retirement, he and his wife moved to St. Helena, CA and he worked in the wineries giving seminars and wine tastings.

Mr. Ashton is survived by his wife of 72 years, Lorraine Mankins Ashton: his daughter Sharon Archer (Bill) of Arlington, VA, a son Robert Ashton (Ruthie) of Costa Mesa, CA: his 4 grandsons: Scott Sawyer (Beth) of Midlothian, VA; Shannon Sawyer (Summer) of Lynchburg, VA; Matt Ashton (Lindsay) of Morro Bay, CA; Nathaniel Ashton of Costa Mesa, CA; 5 great grandchildren: Christopher, Katelyn, and Cameron Sawyer of Midlothian, VA; Ashton and Olivia Sawyer of Lynchburg, VA.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to The Family Center, 1440 Spring Street, St. Helena, CA 94574

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 26 at 4 pm at Murphy-Arlington Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.