In Memoriam

Darrel E. Ashcraft

 

Darrel E. Ashcraft, 72, of East Taunton, MA died peacefully in his sleep on March 17, 2014.

He had spent the previous weekend doing many of his favorite things: celebrating with his family, singing in church, watching the Red Sox, and reading. Darrel/Dad/Grampy will be missed by wife Linda, son Jeremy, daughter-in-law Tedra, treasured grandchildren Cooper and Ellie, extended family members, and friends.

Darrel kept buckeyes displayed on a bookshelf as a reminder of Cincinnati, Ohio where he was born and raised by his parents Hilda and Virgil Ashcraft. Jeremy has referred to his dad as a Renaissance man, and in many ways this was true: Darrel studied History, Religion, and Library Science.

He earned degrees from Yale, Concordia Seminary, Stanford University, and Simmons College and was usually surrounded by books. During his lifetime, he taught religion at a high school and junior college, served as a Lutheran minister, and worked as a reference librarian. Darrel also loved to sing in choirs, and he particularly enjoyed his role as Asher in a church production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat“.

Another memorable experience was as a chorus member for “The Magic Flute” at Stanford. In addition to choral music, Darrel appreciated organ music and had recently subscribed to a journal of organ builders.

Darrel and Linda lived in Mainz, Germany for almost three years where Darrel was a student at The Institute for European History. In addition to travels to other countries while there, the best thing that happened was the birth of Jeremy, who was his dad’s pride and joy. Highlights of other special trips included communing at the garden of Gethsemane in Jerusalem, attending Evensong in cathedrals in London, swimming with dolphins in Bermuda, and cheering for the Red Sox at Spring Training in Sarasota, FL. Since retirement, Darrel delighted in leisure activities with neighbors in Powhattan Village.

Although Darrel dealt with a variety of medical issues, he was nonetheless quite positive and didn’t complain. He knew his life had been filled with blessings.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Bread for the World 425 3rd Street SW, Suite 1200 Washington, DC 20024 (www.bread.org) or a charity of your choice.

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