Thomas Ashton, Jr.

Funeral services for Thomas Ashton, Jr., 81, of Decatur, Texas, will be held at 11 am Friday, December 8, 2023, at Grace Baptist Church in Decatur. Visitation will be held at 10 am, one hour prior, at the church. Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport will be handling arrangements.

Thomas Ashton, Jr., a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on December 1, 2023. He was born on April 29, 1942, in Levelland, Texas, to Thomas Warren Sr. and Alma (Thompson) Ashton. He obtained his degree from Monterey High School in Lubbock, Texas, and then graduated from Panhandle State College. Thomas had a deep love for football and even had the opportunity to play for the Chicago Bears for a brief period. He then later embarked on a career that spanned over 28 years as an elevator mechanic at Dover Elevator in Dallas, Texas, before retiring.

While he dedicated much time to his career, he also cherished the joys of marriage. On July 23, 2012, he married Jo-Bess Swank Hammons —marking the beginning of a beautiful chapter in their lives together.

Thomas was actively involved in his community. He held the esteemed position of Grand Mason with Masonic Lodge #447 and Worthy Patron of Eastern Star #5 both in Decatur, Texas. Thomas was also an active member of Grace Baptist Church in Decatur, Texas, and he attended church services regularly. These roles allowed him to make a positive impact on many lives.

Those left to cherish Thomas’s memory are his wife Jo-Bess (Swank Hammons) Ashton of Decatur, Texas; daughters Tracey Bruton of Paradise, Texas, Tina Garcia of Grandview, Missouri, and Audry Safavimehr of Lubbock, Texas; stepsons Rusty Murray of Lake Dallas, Texas, Kenneth Green of Decatur, Texas, David Green, and Mark Green; stepdaughter Elizabeth Wagner; grandchildren Zachary Bruton, Nathan Ashton, Max Doby, Cody West, Jessica Safavimehr, Sara Alkhafaji, and Hannah Alkhafaji; great-grandchildren Silas Alkhafaji, Amelia Bruton, and Rhett Bruton; step-grandchildren Logan, Duncan, and Raven Murray; step-great-grandchildren Aiden, Liam, Eli, Benjamin Murray, and Angie and Estela Ramirez; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends and family.

Thomas is preceded in death by his parents; sisters Cathy Brock and Phyllis Moten; and great-grandchild Noah Alkhafaji.

© (Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home)

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