BORN

1926

DIED

2011

FUNERAL HOME

Edwards Funeral Home

201 North 12th Street

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Thomas Ashcraft Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 2, 2011.

Thomas Lee Ashcraft, 85, of Fort Smith, died November 1, 2011 in Fort Smith. He was born August 19, 1926, in Sheridan, Arkansas, to Ida Mathews and Henry H. Ashcraft. He grew up in Malvern, Arkansas.

He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, then graduated from Ouachita Baptist University in 1949, with a degree in chemistry. Mr. Ashcraft joined the Pine Bluff Arsenal in 1949 and worked there for 33 years. He was Chief of the Laboratory Division at the Arsenal, then Chief of Technical Plans and Evaluation Division. In 1969 he became Director of Product Assurance, and retired from that position in 1982.

Mr. Ashcraft was a long-time resident of White Hall, Arkansas, from 1960 until 2008. He served as deacon and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church, White Hall, during those years. After his retirement from the Department of Defense in 1982, he was elected mayor of White Hall and served in that position for 8 years. He also worked in the Johnston Atoll Chemical Agent Disposal Program and was director of the Jefferson County Office of Emergency Services from 1992 until 1997. After moving to Fort Smith, Mr. Ashcraft was an active member of South Side Baptist Church.

Mr. Ashcraft served on the White Hall School Board, the Ouachita Baptist University Board of Trustees, the Jefferson County Board of Education and the Jefferson County Library Board. He was a member of the American Chemical Society.

He was listed in American Men and Women of Science and Who's Who in the South and Southwest. He received several outstanding performance awards, including Federal Employee of the Year for Arkansas and the Army Certificate of Meritorious Civilian Service.

He is survived by his wife for almost 63 years, Bea; two sisters, Sammie Pickard of Albuquerque and Shirley Pike, also of Albuquerque; two daughters, Ginger Terry and husband Rex of Fort Smith; Dr. Cynthia Ashcraft of Fort Smith; one son, Dr. Richard Ashcraft and wife Jan of Tulsa, Oklahoma; 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Memorial service will be Friday, November 4, 2011 at 2:00 PM in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be private in the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith. Services and cremation are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

The family will greet friends in Edwards Chapel following the Memorial Service.

Memorials may be made to the Good Samaritan Clinic 615 North "B" Fort Smith, AR 72901 or South Side Baptist Church 2400 Dodson Ave Fort Smith, AR 72901.

To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Ashcraft

What is your first memory of Thomas?

Share a favorite memory you have of Thomas.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Thomas.

Describe a time when Thomas made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Thomas?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Thomas.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Thomas.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Thomas.

What is something you learned from Thomas?

Not sure what to say?

November 17, 2011

Carl & Peggy Koen

The Koen family has many memories of Tom Ashcraft. He was such a kind and caring man. We love him and the whole family, and will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.

November 10, 2011

Freda Rasor Pennington, Tracy and Jay

Having known the Ashcraft family since my childhood years, I have always had great admiration for Tom Ashcraft. My fondest memory was attending his bible study class, as a teenager, at Lee Memorial Baptist Church. His teachings were an inspiration to all who knew him. He will always be remembered by our family and our hearts will always hold a special place for Ms. Bea and his children.

November 9, 2011

Rick Joslin

Tom generated confidence with his leadership abilities as a Pine Bluff Arsenal administrator, Jefferson County Office of Emergency Services coordinator and White Hall's mayor. He lived his Christian principles in all aspects of his life. As mayor, it was obvious that he put the city ahead of himself, unselfishly leaving office before qualifying for retirement benefits, saying he would prefer those funds to instead be directed to community improvements. He never missed an opportunity to boast about Bea and their family's many accomplishments. He was a true friend, and service to others is his legacy.

November 7, 2011

James McFarlane

We are very sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. May your memories comfort you in this time of sorrow.
James & Sarah McFarlane

November 6, 2011

Our sincere condolences on the loss of such a wonderful man. You will be in our prayers.

Charles and Louise Holmes, Judy Holmes Brooks

November 6, 2011

Sharon Taylor

Mr.Ashcraft was greatly admired and loved by so many people..I have so many memories of the kindness and love he gave to his family and friends over the years...I am deeply saddened to hear of his death..Words cannot express the great respect and love my family has for Mr. Ashcraft and his family. Our prayers are constantly with you...May God always keep you in the palm of His hand..

November 4, 2011

Gladys Clark

Bea, I was so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. You are certainly in my thoughts and prayers. I will hold my emails until you feel like viewing them again. Take care of yourself. Love, Gladys Clark

November 4, 2011

Such a fine gentleman...so many of my fondest childhood memories involve the Ashcraft family. Please know my thoughts and prayers and those of my folks are with you all. Alan Holmes

November 4, 2011

Lola & Bill Funderburg

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Tom was such a dear friend and we loved him so much. You will be much in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead Bea.
Love,
Lola and Bill

November 4, 2011

Karen Quarles

My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Ashcraft's family. He was such a wonderful man to work for at Jefferson County OES and a great mentor. He loved Ms. Bea so much and often told us their love story. He also loved to tell us about his grandchildren. He was so proud of them!

November 4, 2011

Diane Estes

Of the people in my childhood that I look back on and admire the most, Mr. Tom is up there at the top. Many people admired his intelligence, quiet personality, and leadership abilities. Not many were as fortunate as the few of us who knew him to be funny, lighthearted, and someone who was at ease talking to any age person. That was the Mr. Tom I knew and I am richer for it. Ms. Bea, Cindy, Ginger, and Ricky, my prayer is that you know the peace and joy of the Holy Spirit during the times that you miss him and know that there are those of us lifting you up to the Lord until the time we see him again. All Our Love,
"The Estes Family" Diane Funderburg Estes, Mark, Tiffany, and Megan

November 4, 2011

Jim Featherston

Bea, Nuk and I were very sorry to hear about Tom's passing. He was a great person, friend and boss and will truly be missed. Jim Featherston, Pine Bluff

November 4, 2011

Phelan & LaVerne Boone

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family during this time of great personal loss. Tom was a good friend and he will be missed.

November 3, 2011

Kellie Angel Mason

My heart and prayers are with your family during this trying time. Having lost my husband a year ago, the empathy is strong. God is still in control--for those currently on this world, and in heaven.

November 3, 2011

Charles and Sue Angel

Rex and Ginger, you are in our prayers. May the Lord's comforting nearness be very real to you and your family. We love you.

November 3, 2011

Lynn Sevenstar

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

November 3, 2011

Leslie Holland-Kennedy

Ricky and Family,
I just wanted to let you know your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Please tell your Mom & sisters how sorry I am. I have very nice memories of your entire family. Your Dad was a good man and I know he will be missed by many. I was hoping the funeral would be in White Hall so I could pay my respects and see you all.

November 3, 2011

Tom was truly a good man who was admired by all of us who worked for him at Jefferson County. He will be missed greatly as he had an impact on so many other lives. Prayers for his family during this time.
Sam Dockery - Pine Bluff

November 3, 2011

Don and Niki Harrison

So sorry to hear of Mr. Ashcraft's passing. We were neighbors until our move to Bella Vista. He and Mrs. Ashcraft were always so very nice and friendly. Thoughts and prayers are with the family.

November 3, 2011

Alicia Taylor Baldwin

My thoughts and prayers are sent to each of you. What good times we had as kids. May God wrap his peace around you all. Alicia Taylor Baldwin

November 3, 2011

Wally Hunt

I had the pleasure of working closely with Mr. Tom while he was the Emergency Management Coordinator for Jefferson County. He was a true friend and mentor. He had a tremendous respect for others and a heart of gold. He enjoyed showing me his shop and woodworking accomplishments everytime I came to visit. He will be missed but he will remain in my heart always as a great friend. May the Lord comfort Ms. Bea and his family at this time of sorrow.

November 3, 2011

Vicky Hull-Jones

Dear Ginger and Family: I loved your dad so much. Mary Lou always said your dad was the absolute best mayor she ever worked for at the City of White Hall. I talked on the phone with him in March 2010 after he'd read Mary Lou's obit. His high praise for my mom helped me more than I can say. What wonderful parents we had and they'll live forever in our hearts. Love forever Vicky, Craig, and Jeff Hull

November 3, 2011

Roger Ayers

Tom was a wonderful person and I loved being with him in Sunday School. I learned a lot from him. You are all in my prayers. God Bless.

November 3, 2011

Boe & Katherine Herring

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

November 3, 2011

Noel Foster

Mr. Ashcraft was a wonderful person and I always had the upmost respect for him. As our Mayor for several years he was a great leader. Mr. Ashcraft cared about the community and the people. The City of White Hall and our citizens send our thoughts and prayers to the Ashcraft family. Noel Foster, Mayor, City of White Hall, AR.

November 3, 2011

Extending our thoughts, prayers, love, and sympathy at this difficult time.
Kar Lynn Roberts and The Pine Bluff Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution

November 3, 2011

Dear Bea, Ginger, Cindy, and family, we were sad to read about Tom's death. We will be praying for all of you this week. God bless, Steve & Kathy Dewbre

November 3, 2011

Such a kind man. I can still hear his soft voice teaching Sunday School. Our prayers are with you all. Pat and Lori Copeland

November 3, 2011

Uncle Tom was an admirable and enjoyable man, the kind that a nephew could look up to and know he needed to be like him. He was gentle of heart with people, desiring to make a difference in this world for Our Lord. He did that. My wife, Jerrie, said he "glowed" a reflection of godliness with a twinkle in his eyes that drew people to him." Now he sees the One he served and all the people whose lives he touched. We are sorrowful that his physical presence is no longer here. Our prayers are deep and sincere for his entire family. Jim and Jerrie Pickard, Beckley, WV

November 3, 2011

Wes Shnaekel

Tom was possibly the smartest person I ever encountered. As our Mayor of White Hall, Deacon, and Friend, he was kind, wise and a pleasure to be around. He will truly be missed here on this Earth but we shall all see him again in Heaven. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. May God give you comfort and peace in the days ahead.

November 2, 2011

Mike Southern

We were very sorry to hear of Mr Ashcraft's passing. Mr Ashcraft was always someone I respected and admired. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike and Rebecca Southern

November 2, 2011

We were so sorry to hear about Tom's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Brenda and Rickey Doucey

Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results

Make a Donation
in Thomas Ashcraft's name

Memorial Events
for Thomas Ashcraft

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Edwards Funeral Home

201 North 12th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901

How to support Thomas's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Thomas Ashcraft's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more