John Arthur Ashbaugh, Jr.

John Arthur Ashbaugh, Jr., of Bastrop, Texas, was born on September 7, 1949, in the charming community of Kittanning, Pennsylvania, just northeast of Pittsburg, along the east bank of the Allegheny River, to John Arthur Ashbaugh and Eva Laverne McGeary.

John joined the United States Navy in 1969, sharing the vision of seeing the world. He learned about “Honor, Courage, and Commitment” and why the Navy adopted those three words as its motto. 

After his tour of military duty in 1973, John was united in Holy Matrimony to Deborah Ward on December 5^th. This union was blessed with three children: John III, Kimberly, and Elizabeth. They shared their lives, love, and a legacy of memories until his death. 

John's commitment to his country was evident in his service in the US Navy from 1969 to 1973. He often shared fond memories of his military career, adding a little more each time he found a willing listener. After his honorable discharge, he managed a Singer Sewing Machine Store in Victoria, Texas, from 1974 to 1977. His skills and dedication continued to shine when he moved to Austin in 1977, where he worked at the Singer Sewing Machine Store in Highland Mall until 2014.  In 2021, John retired from the labor world, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication; he was self-employed as a “Quality Tool and Fastener.” 

 Enjoying the small things in life, John was a family man and enjoyed being around all his children and grandchildren. He took great pride in them and all their achievements. 

 John fought several illnesses before going to spend his eternal life with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, April 11th, at the age of seventy-four.   He is preceded in death by his parents and numerous brothers and sisters. 

John’s priceless legacy will forever be cherished in the lives of his children, John “Jay” Ashbaugh III, Kimberly Ashbaugh and her husband, Andrew McEarthron, and Elizabeth Ashbaugh and her husband, Noe Cisneros; his grandchildren, Judson, Samuel, Zachary, and Finnegan, and their mother Deborah Ashbaugh; numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends, all who he loved dearly.    

At John’s request, he will be laid to rest at a national military cemetery and, by his choice, Fort Sam Houston Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.