William Everett Ashby, 75, of Clermont, Iowa died, Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at his home in Clermont, Iowa. Bill was born November 1, 1942 to Robert Mitchell and Mary Louise (Peterson) Ashby Moline in Los Angeles, California. His family moved to Chariton, Iowa when Bill was a year old. He was baptized at Chariton Bible Church.
Bill worked as a carrier for the Des Moines Register from 1952 to 1958, as Camp Staff for Camp Wapello BSA from 1955 to 1956 and part-time at Family Shoe Store from 1958 to 1960. He graduated from Chariton High School in 1960. Bill earned his BA degree in Teaching Math and Social Studies from State College of Iowa in 1963 and his MA degree in School Administration from University of Northern Iowa in 1968. Bill did Post Graduate work at NE Mo. St., Luther College, Iowa State College, UNI, and U of I. He taught Math at Eldora High School and directed school plays from 1963 to 1966, taught Math at New Hartford High School and coached Junior High Sports and directed plays from 1966 to 1967, was Junior and Senior Principal, athletic director, directed plays, taught World History and Drama at New Hartford from 1967 to 1968, was Secondary Principal at Radcliffe Schools from 1968 to 1972, was High School Principal for Valley High School from 1972 to 1979, Consultant for Computer Education at Arrowhead Area Education 5 in Fort Dodge from 1979 to 1989, Computer Support at Arrowhead Area Education Agency 5 in Fort Dodge from 1989 to 1996, director of Marketing for Clermont Pin Company from 1996 to 2002 and a Scorer and Supervisor for Pearson Precision Test Scoring in Iowa City as well as Adjunct Instructor at Upper Iowa and Kirkwood Community Colleges. Bill also served on Fort Dodge City Council from 1994 to 1996 and Clermont City Council from 2000 to 2003 and 2006 to 2017.
Bill was united in marriage with Paula Diane Colburn in 1963 in Cedar Falls, Iowa, two children were born to this union. They later divorced. Bill was united in marriage with April Bingham Edwards in 1980 at the Little Brown Church, they later divorced.
Bill performed in seventeen Musica Comedia Musicals in Fort Dodge, Mason City, Ames, Creston, Clarinda, and Okoboji. He also performed five Manson Meridian Shows and Fiddler on the Roof at the Elkader Opera House. He performed several years in the Handl’s Messiah in West Union Methodist church. He made many appearances portraying Governor Larrabee in Clermont. Bill was a 33rd Degree Mason, a member of the Writers group, and a lifelong Republican. He enjoyed discussing politics, fishing, and the L.A. Dodgers.
Bill is survived by his daughter, Kim (Steve) Woods of Marion, Iowa; granddaughter, Melanie Kemmann of Port Hueneme, California; grandsons, Ben and Tyler Woods of Marion, Iowa; ; two nieces, Alecia (Lauren) Ashby and Amy (Aaron) Brace and great-nephew, Eli Brace.; special friend, Judy Nelson of Clermont and her children, Tami (Todd) Guyer, Brenda (Jon) Wolter, Barry “Doc” (Connie) Nelson, Todd (Sue) Nelson; and her thirteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Bill was preceded in death by his mother and father, Mary Louise and Robert Mitchell Ashby; step father, Carl Moline; sister, Jane; brother, Mick; son, Robert; and grandson, Brian.
Visitation will be Friday, March 9, 2018 from 9-11 am at Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Clermont, Iowa. There will also be a Masonic Service at 9:00 am at the Funeral Home.
Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 am on Friday, March 9, 2018 at Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Clermont, Iowa with Rev. Dayna Winke as the Officiant.
Burial will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at Chariton Cemetery in Chariton, Iowa.
Schutte-Grau Funeral and Cremation Service of Clermont, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.