Charles Olin Ashcraft

Jun 22, 1937 -

Aug 1, 2022

Charles Olin Ashcraft was born in Kiowa, Kansas, a border town, on June 22, 1937, to Kentuckian Olin Ashcraft and his wife Esther-Pauline. He grew up in the Dust Bowl days of Oklahoma and graduated from Cherokee High School. From his youth Charles told stories of being dressed post-mortem by his Russian grandparents Johann and Anna-Maria Young. Because of his severe asthma, Charles was told to sit and not move, as albuterol had not been invented yet. As Charles's father Olin served in the U.S. Civilian Conservation Corp., Charles was raised by his mother Esther and bachelor uncle Virgil.

As a 19 year old, Charles attended Phillips Methodist University, worked his way through college at an egg factory and, upon age 21 and graduation, Charlie had been recruited by The Anchorage School District.

Chuck served in many fields: ASD Business Education Teacher, SOA Fairbanks Firefighter Dispatcher, Alaska U.S. Army Reserves Soldier, Colonel, Mason, Bartlett High School Rifle Coach, Jack White Prudential Realtor - partnering with his wife Letha – working as a bookkeeper, and receiver of the Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service.

Charles is survived by his daughter, Farrah; son, Kyle; grandsons, Trevor Lairmore, Joseph and Jordan Alexa; and granddaughter, Haylee Ashcraft.

From his kin in Oklahoma, he is survived by his loving niece, Debbie Bray; nephew, Joe D'Amico; and first cousins, Officer Trent Bray and stylist Amber Rachelle Bray of Seattle, Wash.

Memories can be sent to Estherremembers@gmail.com.