Joe Ashcraft

Joe Ralph Ashcraft, 74, of Mansfield, died Sunday April 25, 2010 in Beckley, West Virginia. Born February 4, 1936 in Cleveland County, Arkansas, he was the son of Victor Martin and Janie Powers Ashcraft. He started his career as a Mansfield Police officer walking a beat, then worked in the Detective Bureau. After that, Joe served as a bailiff for Judge Rex Larson, before retiring as the Head of the Richland County Probation Department. He was a member of the American Legion Post #16, NRA, FOP William Taylor Lodge 32, and 303rd Air Refueling Squadron, and was Past President of the Lucas Lions Club and Lucas Athletic Boosters. In his spare time, Joe enjoyed fishing on Lake Erie, cutting grass, and spending winters in sunny Florida walking on the beach.

He is survived by his wife, Larraine Ashcraft; son, Larry Martin Juli Ashcraft of Whitehall, Arkansas, and his children, Charity, Christopher, and Edward Ashcraft; daughter Lisa Peter Whitaker of Denver, Colorado, and her children, Allison, Eric, and Bradley Whitaker; son, Joseph Trisha Ashcraft of West Jordan, Utah, and his children, Morgan, Lauren, Halle, Ella, and Avery Ashcraft; step daughter, Bethany Biddle of Lucas; great grandchildren, Gabrielle, Brooke, and Caleb Ashcraft; sister, Linda Johnny Linneman of Rison, Arkansas; brother, Larry Julie Ashcraft of Boise, Idaho; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call Wednesday, April 28, 2010 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the Diamond St. Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St., Mansfield. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home conducted by Rev. Carl Cunfer. Military graveside services conducted by the Richland County Joint Veteran's Burial Detail will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lucas Local Schools Sustaining Fund, 89 Lucas North Rd., Lucas, OH 44843.