Houston Ashcraft

Houston Leon Ashcraft, age 69, of the Pansy Community, passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at his home. He was born on March 28, 1944 in Herbine, to the late Leroy and Liddie Mae (Phillips) Ashcraft. He was reared and received his early education in Rison, graduating from Rison High School in 1962, where he developed a love for sports and played football. He is preceded in death by a sister, Oudia Ashcraft Wilson of Herbine. Houston retired from the Union Pacific Railroad where he was employed for over 35 years. He served 6 years in the 212 Signal National Guard in Pine Bluff. He was an avid sports fan and volunteered countless hours with the youth programs at Woodlawn School where he also served on the school board. He enjoyed reading and was an accomplished carpenter and woodworker. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 49 years, Pat Mercer Ashcraft of Pansy; a son and daughter-in-law, Clay and Carrie Ashcraft of Pansy; a daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Louis Gibbs of Stuttgart; three grandchildren, Hattie Isabella Haygood of Stuttgart and Eli and Ella Claire Ashcraft of Pansy; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Janice and Grady Kimbrell of Pine Bluff, Betty Jean and Bill Taylor of Herbine; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Donald and Renee Ashcraft of Long Beach, California and Phillip and Regina Ashcraft of Pine Bluff; numerous nieces, nephews, family members and friends who will miss him dearly. Special friends, Shirley McNearly, Leah Tooke and Hospice Care Angels of Monticello. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. at Union United Methodist Church at Rye with the Reverend Garry Wiles and Reverend Ricky Mercer officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Prosperity Cemetery Association c/o Shirley Stewart, 15610 Hwy 35 South, Rison, Arkansas 71665. Arrangements are by Buie Funeral Home of Rison (870) 325-6216.