John Virgil Ash

John Virgil Ash, 77 of Moberly, Missouri passed away December 7, 2021 in Columbia, Missouri at The Bluffs due to heart and kidney disease.

John was born September 7, 1944 in Moberly, Missouri to Emmett James and Fannie Margaret Ash. He graduated from Moberly Senior High School in1962. John served in the US Army as a radio electrician from 1966-1969 and received two overseas service bars for his time in Vietnam. Upon returning to central Missouri, he graduated with a BA in Business Administration in 1973 from Northeast Missouri State University. John enjoyed a long career in the electrical and HVAC industry with several different companies as well as managing his own business at one time. He rounded out his career with a short stint as a corrections officer and GED instructor with the Missouri Department of Corrections.

John shared three daughters with Nancy Bell; Jaime, Karen and Brooke. He was involved in his daughters' lives as they needed with duties such as softball coach and car repair technician - as long as they were willing to sit and talk while he made the repairs. John married Marjorie Cafa in May of 1993 and she brought her children, Rhonda and Clay into the family. John and Marge enjoyed many years together with activities such as camping, volleyball and bowling. They also enjoyed making sure their grandchildren had everything they needed. John had a lifelong love of classic cars and trucks and appreciated a good rumble. He also enjoyed talking about Missouri sports teams with any willing (or unwilling) participant. One lesser-known fact about John was that he was a talented artist. His family has several of his paintings to enjoy for years to come.

John is preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Cafa-Ash.

John is survived by his two sisters; Sandra Ash of Chesterfield, MO and Teresa (John) Smith of Littleton, CO as well as his five children; Rhonda (David) Shields, Clay Farris, Jaime (Nikolas) Holden, Karen (Christopher) McNarney and Brooke (Michael) Woodham. John is also survived by his 13 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter as well as many other family members and friends.

A memorial service with full military honors will be held in celebration of John’s life at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, MO on Friday, May 20, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.  Family invites guests to come share food and fellowship at Rothwell Park Pavilion # 1 in Moberly, MO following the service.

Arrangements are under the direction of PATHWAY-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 411 Union Avenue, Moberly, Missouri 65270 (660) 263-7284. Condolences may be shared online for the family at www.pathwaymemorial.com.