Sammy L. Ashley, 89, of Denison, passed away Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at Midland Care Hospice House in Topeka.

He was born August 3, 1926 in Topeka the son of Moorman and Myrtle (Orrick) Ashley. He attended Topeka High School and received and honorary diploma in 2004 as he ran away at the age of 16 to join the United States Navy where he served in WWII.  He proudly served his country with the Navy for 3 years then joined the United States Air Force and served from 1948-1952.  Sammy was an Atomic Veteran, who was exposed to ionizing radiation at the Nevada Test Site during operation Tumbler-Snapper in May of 1952.

On June 27, 1953 Sammy married E. June Herring in Tucumcari, NM.  She survives of the home.

He was a sheet metal worker with McElroy’s in Topeka for 35 years and after retiring mowed for USD 336 for 21 years.  He was a member of Sheet Metal Union Local #2 and a member of Holton VFW Post #1367.

In addition to his wife, he is also survived by: his sons, Randall Ashley and his wife Jennisse of Poway, CA, Sammy K. Ashley and his wife Fe of Denison, KS and Tim Ashley and his wife Leslie of Apple Valley, CA; his daughter, Jana Harrison and her husband Roger of Leavenworth, KS; his sister, Norma Tsukamoto of San Jose, CA; and his 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Helen Parks and his brothers, L.D., Glen and Joe Ashley.

 Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 16, 2015 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton.  Burial with full military honors will follow in Valley Falls Cemetery.  The family will greet friends one hour prior to funeral services beginning at 9:30 a.m.  Memorials are suggested to the Salvation Army or Heart of Jackson Humane Society c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, 66436. To leave a special message for the family, visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com