Zane Bull
Jim Smith
Charles Henry Ashman of Grace Village Retirement Community, Winona Lake, Ind., lived his earthly life in a godly way and peacefully departed to be with the Lord whom he adored with all his heart on Wednesday, March 21, 2012, at 4:50 a.m. at Grace Village Retirement Community at the age of 87.
He was born on June 1, 1924, in Johnstown, Pa., to Charles H. Ashman, Sr. and Flora (Brown) Ashman. He met Frances M. Bradley, his wife to be, at youth rallies and summer church camp. They were married on July 12, 1946, in Compton, Calif. She died on February 21, 2012.
Charles graduated from Westmont College in 1947 (BA), and he and Frances (a graduate of the Bible Institute of Los Angeles) headed to Grace Seminary in Winona Lake, Ind., where Charles graduated in 1950 (MDiv., Magna Cum Laude).
His first pastorate was in Rittman, Ohio, (First Brethren Church) and it was in Rittman that their children were born. The family moved to Phoenix, Ariz., in 1955, where Charles served the Grace Brethren church there.
In 1962, Charles became pastor of the Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church. In 1969 he was asked to teach part-time at Grace College and Seminary as well. He taught mostly seminary courses in the Pastoral Theology field, English Bible, and Beginning Greek. Students appreciated his insight and experience. One alumnus comments: “Pastor Ashman was very knowledgeable and taught in such a practical way