Michael (Mike) B. Ash, Major, United States Army (Retired), passed away July 16, 2021 in Austin, Texas. Mike was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on August 6, 1935 to Clifford F. Ash and Laura Y. (Meunier) Peterson.
Mike was a proud American who served his country for 24 years as an active member of the Army, United States Army Reserve and the Minnesota National Guard. He was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars and was awarded numerous medals and awards during his Military career, most notably the Bronze Star with “V” device (Valor) for Heroism in Ground Combat and the Purple Heart while serving in Vietnam. Mike retired from active duty in October 1977 with a permanent disability and started a second career as a civil engineer with the Department of the Army, working an additional 26 years, retiring in September 2003.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents and step-father Kenneth W. Peterson. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Ersilia (Ceil) of Austin, TX; his brother, Clifford F. Ash and wife Mildred of Minneapolis, MN; son Michael A. Ash and wife Joyce of Cecelia, KY ; daughter Denise R. Watkins and husband Kenneth of Austin, TX; daughter Stephanie A. Bent and husband Donald of Bend, OR; son James A. Ash and wife Julie of Goodyear, AZ; son John E. Ash of Austin, TX; son Nicholas G. Ash of Austin, TX, son Matthew V. Ash of Austin, TX; son Christopher M. Ash of Austin, TX; seven grandchildren, Clinton Ash, Curtis Ash, Erin Bent, Whitney Ash, Kenneth Bent, Kenneth Ash, Cody Hastings; and three great-daughters Hayden, Emmy and Myla.
Mike enjoyed various pursuits. He enjoyed playing poker with the same group of friends for over 15 years in Springfield, VA and with another group in Austin. Mike was a San Francisco 49er faithful even after moving from the Bay Area. After relocating to Texas, Mike became a big fan of the San Antonio Spurs basketball team. Mike loved all of his pets but had a particular fondness for our sweet one-eyed pup Wink. In addition, Mike had a passion for travel and loved river cruising, visiting the European Christmas markets. Mike’s favorite trip was an African safari, the highlight of which was roaming the African bush with Sylvester, the orphaned cheetah ambassador of The Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) Wildlife Trust.
Friends are invited to a visitation with the family from 4:00 o’clock to 7:00 o’clock on Thursday, July 22, 2021, at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, Lakeway, TX.
Internment services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA, on a date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers and customary remembrance, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to:
Forgotten Friends Rescue, c/o Deborah Ullrich, P. O. Box 1395, Leander, TX 78641, http://forgottenfriendstx.org/donate or your favorite animal shelter.
