Paul Richard Ashburn, 75, passed away peacefully in the arms of his loving wife and in the presence of his children and eldest grandson in Kingwood, on Oct. 15, 2023. He was born on Nov. 11, 1947, in Morgantown, the only son of the late Frank and Pauline (Funk) Ashburn.
He was a member of the Methodist Church. He spent his childhood in the Wiles Hill neighborhood of Morgantown, graduating from Morgantown High School in 1966. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he was assigned to Company A, Third Shore Party Battalion, Third Marine Division. During his time in the Marines, Paul served in the Vietnam War, fighting in the Siege at Khe Sanh. While at Khe Sanh, he earned the Navy Achievement Medal due to his exemplary dedication in the battlefield and achieved the rank of Sergeant. Paul was also the recipient of the Purple Heart.
After being honorably discharged, he became a proprietor and entrepreneur, embarking in a 42-year business partnership with Ed Cogar by opening Ashco-A-Corporation. Together they hold a patent for the design of a recirculating sand wastewater treatment system. Paul also served on the West Virginia Sewage Advisory Board.
Paul was an avid outdoorsman with an appreciation for the scenic landscapes of the American West. This appreciation led him on many deer, elk and antelope hunting expeditions with his friends, hunting buddies and Marine Corps comrades.
Paul was survived by his wife of 45 years, Barbara Goff Ashburn, of Morgantown; son, Aaron Ashburn (Bev), of Harrisonburg, Va.; and daughter, April Cochran (Don), of Saint Peters, Mo.; grandchildren, Cheyenne Rivera (Johnny) of Shenandoah, Va., Cody Ashburn of Harrisonburg, Va., and Benjamin Cochran of Saint Peters, Mo.; great-grandson Asher Rivera of Shenandoah, Va.; sisters, Linda Pocock of Mathews, Va., and Brenda Cogar (Ed) of Fort Martin; sister-in-law Patty Bucklew (Steve) of Morgantown; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Alice Ann Ashburn Cogar of Morgantown; brother-in-law, George Pocock of Mathews, Va.; and in-laws, Walter and Josie Goff of Lake Charles, La.
Visitation will be held at Fred L. Jenkins Funeral Home, 10 S. High St, Morgantown, from 10 a.m.-noon on Wednesday, Oct. 18, until the time of service at noon, with Pastor Steve Finn officiating. Cremation will follow the service.
Condolences:
www.fredjenkinsfuneralhome.com
