R. Kline Ashton, Sr., 84 of Palmer Twp., PA died Wednesday, January 25, 2017. Born July 9, 1932 in Easton, PA he was a son of the late Jean (Melick) and Fred L. Ashton, Sr. He and his wife Arlene (Carcione) Ashton were married 62 years. He was a graduate of Easton High School Class of 1950 and Lafayette College Class of 1954, where he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He received his MBA from Lehigh University and was a 1st Lieutenant in the Army during the Korean War.
Kline was a fourth generation funeral director and owner of the Ashton Funeral Home in Easton for more than 60 years. He was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and active with various church groups over his lifetime. He was a Past-President of the Eastern PA Funeral Directors Association where he was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award. He served as a District Governor of the PA Funeral Directors Association and was a State Chair of the International Order of the Golden Rule. He was a member of the National Funeral Directors Association and founding member of the Northampton County Community College Funeral Service Program and Advisory Board.
Kline was a Past-President of the Easton Rotary Club, a Paul Harris Fellow and Easton Rotary Service Foundation Fellow. He was an Eagle Scout and received a James E. West Fellow Award from the Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of various masonic organizations including a 60 year member of Easton Lodge, #152, F & AM and 32nd Degree Mason. He served on various Boards including The United Way of Easton, Easton Area Volunteer Association, Easton Rotary Service Foundation, and American Red Cross. He was also a member of the Pomfret Club, the Northampton Country Club. and Jr. O.U.A.M.
He is survived by his wife Arlene; his children: Debra Jo Ashton-Chase and her husband Peter of Bethlehem Twp., PA, R. Kline Ashton, Jr. and his wife Amy of Easton, PA, W. Scott Ashton and his wife Sharon of Bethlehem Twp., PA; a sister: Anna Kutzler of Forks Twp., PA; 6 grandchildren: Sam, Julie, Robert, Matthew, Victoria and Ryan and 2 step-grandchildren: Brian and Cody. He was predeceased by his brother Fred L. Ashton, Jr.
Services are 2 PM Sunday (Jan. 29) in Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2115 Washington Boulevard, Easton, PA with a viewing from 3 PM to 6 PM Saturday, (Jan. 28) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton and also prior to the service at the church on Sunday. Interment is in the Historic Easton Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Easton Rotary Service Foundation, c/o 25 Chestnut Ridge Circle, Easton, PA 18042 or the Lehigh Valley Health Network, Renal Transplant Program, PO Box 689, Allentown, PA 18105.
Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.