Obituary of Benjamin Ashcroft

Benjamin Franklin (B.F.) Ashcroft Benjamin Franklin (B.F.) Ashcroft passed away Monday, November 19, 2012, in Lufkin, Texas. A memorial service will be held at the Myra Wilson Chapel of the Sulphur Springs City Cemetery in Sulphur Springs, Texas on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 2:00pm with Rev. Charles Moore officiating. A graveside service will be held after the service. B.F. was born on July 3, 1920 in Sulphur Springs, Texas to Ruth Lynch and Charles Franklin Ashcroft. He graduated from Sulphur Springs High School in 1938. He attended the University of Texas at Austin and graduated with his B.B.A. in 1942. He then served as a communications officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After returning from the service, B.F. joined his father at the Coca-Cola Bottling Company where he was an active member of the Board of the Coca-Cola BottlersÂ’ Association. He was married to Denney Pounds Ashcroft in 1948 until her death in 1991. An active community leader, B.F. served as mayor of Sulphur Springs, president of the Sulphur Springs Independent School District, director of Alliance Bank, member of the EDC Board, founding member of the HopkinÂ’s County Industrial Foundation Board, active member of Sulphur Springs Rotary Club, member of the Sulphur Springs Public Library, and as a trustee of the First United Methodist Church in Sulphur Springs where he served on numerous committees. He was 1984Â’s Citizen of the Year. Personally, B.F. was an avid fisherman and enjoyed riding his boat on Lake Texhoma. His passion for football included having University of Texas football season tickets for over 50 years. He loved to travel, which includes visiting all 50 states. In 1996, he married Elaine Burgess Ashcroft, of Nacogdoches, Texas, who survives him. He is also survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Frank and Anne Ashcroft of Nacogdoches, daughter and son-in-law Beth and Robert Holland of Dallas, and daughter and son-in-law Charlotte and George Clark of Dallas and Nacogdoches. His stepdaughter and husband Melinda and Jack Nelson of Richardson and stepdaughter and husband Christi and Cory Rickel of Katy. His grandchildren are Ashley and Jay Kingham of Houston, Alexandra Ashcroft of Houston, Katy Holland of Los Angeles, Robert (Bobby) Holland of Dallas, Anne Holland of New York City, Chad Wallace of Dallas, Elizabeth Wallace of Dallas, and step-grandchildren George Clark of Nacogdoches, Arthur Clark of Nacogdoches, Chance Rickel of Katy, Courtney Rickel of Katy, Christopher Xavier Nelson of Richardson, and Caedon Anthony Nelson of Richardson. He is also survived by a great granddaughter Elizabeth Bird Holland of Dallas. Pallbearers are Enos Ashcroft, Thomas Allison, Joe Moore, Alec Bridges, Bobby Holland, and Chad Wallace. Honorary pallbearers are Joe Williamson, Henry McGrede and Louis McGrede. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Pinecrest Retirement Community in Lufkin, Texas, and to his extra special caregivers. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Pinecrest Retirement Community, George Henderson Unit, 1302 Tom Temple in Lufkin, Texas 75904. Arrangements are under the direction of West Oaks Funeral Home. www.westoaksfunearlhome.com