ELLSWORTH – Earl R. Ashmore, 91, went home to be with the Lord Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital, Ellsworth. He was born March 2, 1918, in Lamoine, the son of George Sr. and Lelia (Jordan) Ashmore. Earl attended elementary school in Lamoine and graduated with honors from Ellsworth High School in 1937. After high school, Earl attended aircraft mechanic school at Dow Field, Bangor. Earl was a very proud veteran of World War II, where he served in Europe from 1941 to 1945. He was a mechanic, crew chief, flight engineer and co-pilot on C47 cargo planes. Of particular pride to Earl was landing on Utah Beach, Normandy, France, one week after the D-Day Invasion of June 1944. He was able to return there in 2000, which was a very emotional experience for him. In September 1945, Earl was awarded the 9th Air Force Air Medal, for flying 405 hours of missions. On his return from the war, Earl and his brother Cliff, with financial help from good friend, Raymond Sargent, founded Ashmore Bros. Auto Body, which Earl continued operating until his retirement at 80 years old. He was so grateful to Julie Mason, his longtime assistant, for taking over the day-to-day operations so that the company could continue on after his retirement. He was also very appreciative of his office manager, Julie’s mom, Arlene Bradford, who kept his books for 48 years. They are truly like family to all of us. Earl was involved in many area organizations, including Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce, from which he received the Top Drawer Award in 1997. He was also a life member of Lygonia Lodge, Anah Shrine and Hancock County Shrine Club. Earl had a lifelong passion for flying and was a captain in the Civil Air Patrol and a member of Frenchmen’s Bay Flying Club. He was past commander of Veterans’ of Foreign Wars Post No. 109, Ellsworth. He and Bette loved attending Maine Coast Baptist Church when physically able. Earl also enjoyed playing tennis, golf, roller-skating and water skiing. He enjoyed many great summers at his camp on Donnell’s Pond and several winters at their home in Nokomis, Fla. Earl is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Elizabeth “Bette” (Hewitt) Ashmore. They married June 22, 1940, and were hoping to celebrate 70 years next June. He is also survived by his only child, Heather and her husband, John Linnehan, both of whom he was very proud. He leaves two adored grandsons, Ryan and his wife, Stephanie, of Newburgh, Ind., and Chadd and his wife, Jennifer, of Trenton. Earl was especially proud of his seven great-grandchildren, Tyler, Riley, Bryanna, Caleb, Jacob, Kerigan and Kate. Earl leaves behind one brother, Charles Ashmore; two sisters, Christine Reed and Alice Hancock; many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents; three brothers, Walter, Cliff and George Jr.; and one sister, Louise Grindle. The family thanks the doctors and nurses at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital for the excellent care given to Earl. They are especially thankful to the “girls” at Heartworks for their loving compassion during the past few months. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth, with Pastor Gerry Dill; and son-in-law, John Linnehan officiating. A private burial with military honors will be after the service at Bayview Cemetery, Franklin. Gifts in Earl’s memory may be made to Acadia Christian School, 171 Bar Harbor Road, Trenton, ME 04605. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
EARL R. ASHMORE
