Henry W. Aston

ASTON, HENRY WARD On August 18, Henry Ward Aston, 89 years, a beloved Child of God and Faithful Servant, Brother, Athlete, Leader, Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather and avid University of Alabama fan, passed into eternity and into the arms of His Lord while at a local hospital. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ruth S. Ward Aston and Henry Clay Aston. Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Mary Evelyn Aston (Lollar), a son, Henry Ward Aston Jr. (Martha) and daughter, Marianne McCuller (Don). In addition he is survived by a sister Faye Marlin, as well as nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was born in Winfield, Alabama and had been a resident of Jefferson County since 1925, Graduated from Birmingham Southern College in 1943, member of Kappa Phi Kappa and Omicron Delta Kappa. In addition to his personal legacy, he also leaves a very rich professional legacy. Henry worked for the Alabama State Department of Education / Vocational Rehabilitation as an Area Supervisor. During his 37 + years, he had among his many accomplishments: The name "Mr. Rehab", Area Supervisor and Supervisor for Physical Restoration for the Alabama State Department of Education and Vocational Rehabilitation Service, Fairfield Board of Education as an Assistant Coach, Engineer for Ordinance Production for the Birmingham Ordinance District, Memberships on the Board of National Rehab Association, Jefferson County Drug Abuse Committee, Mayors Manpower Committee, Jefferson County Mental Health Association, Goodwill Industries, Past Chairman of the Occupational Rehabilitation Center, Recipient of the O.F. Wise award as the state's outstanding rehabilitation professional of the year. Key player in the establishment of Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital, Spain Rehabilitation Center and Easter Seals Occupational Rehabilitation Center, Former President-Alabama Rehab Association, Past Chairman Occupational Rehab Center, Former Chairman-Regional Advisory Committee of Spain Rehab Center, Life Member Nation Rehab Association, Board Member Occupation Rehab Center, Secretary and Board of Directors Member, Workshops, Inc, Board Member and Chairman-AWARE Subcommittee of Positive Maturity. Henry Aston was a caring and giving man who served as an advocate for the blind and disabled and helped provide opportunities to make their lives richer. He will be missed by all for his enduring sense of humor, his caring, and his joy of life. Services will be held Friday August 20, 2010 at Ridout's Elmwood Chapel at 11:00am, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery.