Roll Call Tribute

Published in (Harlingen) Valley Morning Star on Mar. 2, 2017

Robert F. Ashley Jr.(1930 - 2017)
Harlingen, TX - Robert Ford Ashley, Jr. passed away at home on February 19, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was born in Blytheville, AK on December 12, 1930, to Robert F and Marjorie Dell Ashley. Bob was a proud graduate of Texas A&M University and loved watching his Aggies' football games. He met his wife, Jean E. Cowles, while studying Meteorology at the University of New Mexico while serving our country in the US Air Force. He was a Captain in the USAF and was stationed in Korea during the Korean war. Bob was a member of First Baptist Church, where he was a member of the choir and taught Sunday School.

Bob married Jean E. Cowles on August 9, 1953 and was happily married for 51 years. He settled in Harlingen and farmed with Ashley Farms until he retired. His retirement was filled with happy days with his wife, family and loving pets.

Bob is survived by his four daughters, Debra Weatherly, Cindy (Bruce)Williams, Deanna Ashley and Joanna Ashley; grandchildren, John Spencer, Jacob Garza (Andrea) and Markus Garza (Megan); great grandchildren, Courtney, Madelyn, Seth and Graham; sister Clara Duncan (Pat); sister-in-law Shirley Ashley; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean E. Ashley; parents, Robert F. and Marjorie Ashley; brother, Lamar Ashley; and sister, Charlotte Ashley.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Restlawn Memorial Park with Reverend Chris Hall officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation, PO Box 50008, Studio City, CA, 91614-5001 or at garysinisefoundation.org for wounded veterans.


Funeral Home
Heavenly Grace Funeral Home
26873 N. White Ranch Road La Feria, TX 78559
(956) 797-5614