Thomas Wendell Ashby

We lost a great man, husband, father, mentor, and friend. Thomas W. Ashby left an extraordinary life lived with passion and love on December 31, 2022. He was surrounded by his loving family and the love of his life.

Tom was born, January 15, 1948. His magical mind and spirit led to the most abundant life. He never stopped learning and applied his knowledge to everything of interest, a never-ending list. He enjoyed the finest things in life and passed that knowledge on to those lucky to know him.

He began his business journey at age 12, where he worked alongside his parents, Catherine and Jack Ashby, the founders of the Brake Supply Company. He expanded the organization through his dedication of 44 years there. He was a true leader as the President and CEO from 1986-2005.

His greatest interest included, first and foremost, family and relationships. Whether in business, on the street, or at home, Tom built lasting relationships with others around the globe.

His early passion for fishing began with his parents at their Lake Cabin in Canada. He worked as a fishing guide during many summers, establishing friendships that remain to this day. He broadened his legacy in Canada by building a beautiful home and camp on an island where his wife, daughters, and friends vacationed and fished alongside Tom, the expert guide. His early knowledge and passion for fishing are currently reflected in a thriving business, American Legacy Fishing Company (ALFC). The retail presence is located on Congress Avenue in Evansville, and it also has a highly successful online business, widely respected domestically and internationally.

Tom's list of passions continues with the love of fine wine, cigars, travel, books, photography, his latest passion of cooking, and automobiles. The latter interest culminated with the formation of the Bullwinkele Racing Team, featuring a crew of longstanding friends and his number 42 Porsche. They raced in International Motorsports Association events around the country, made everlasting memories, and quickly gained the respect of his competition.

He attended Castle Heights Military Academy in Lebanon, TN, and graduated from Harrison High School in Evansville, IN. He later studied business management and accounting at the University of Evansville. He believed strongly in continuing education and expanded his business attributes at Texas A&M, the American Management Association, and Executive Development Systems.

Tom is survived by his beautiful wife of 57 years, Dixie Ashby (LeMasters); daughters Kristy Voytek (Mark) of Cincinnati, OH, Jennifer Niemann of Frisco, TX, Shannon Rafalowski of Round Rock, TX, sister Kaye Wathen of Evansville, IN, and sister-in-law Debbie (Kevin) Kueber of Evansville, IN. Tom's grandchildren are Katie (Brad) Fisk, of Cincinnati, OH, Morgan Voytek and Nathan Voytek of Chicago, IL, Michael and Elyse Niemann of Frisco, TX, and Tessa, Gracie, and Audrey Rafalowski of Round Rock, TX. In addition, he is survived by several adored nieces and nephews.

Tom loved and cherished his many golden retrievers through the years, who brought him immense joy. He is survived by Hank, Maggie Mae, Huck, and Finn.

He left us with many reminders to live life with passion. As a man who loved the sunsets and the stars, he will continue to remind us to take in all of life's glory from dawn to dusk. In Tom Ashby fashion, he left us on New Year's Eve so we can ring in each year, his Heavenly birthday, and remember to celebrate life.

The extraordinary life of Tom Ashby will be honored with a visitation and service at Neu Chapel on the University of Evansville campus on Saturday, January 14, at 1:00 pm. A service of prayer and reflection in thanksgiving for his life will begin at 2:00 pm.

There will be a Celebration of Life gathering following the service.

Tom was a founder of Youth First and has always been incredibly proud of the lives that continue to be impacted by this organization. Its mission is to strengthen youth and families through evidence-based programs that prevent substance abuse, promote healthy behaviors, and maximize success. Those who wish to do so may continue his legacy with the organization with a memorial donation in Tom Ashby's name to Youth First at https://youthfirstinc.org/donate.