Thomas Franklin Ashworth
July 05, 1919 - August 17, 2015
Obituary
MADISON-Thomas Franklin Ashworth, age 96, passed away on Monday, Aug. 17, 2015, in Madison. He was born on July 5, 1919, in Thompson Station, Tenn., near what is now Franklin and just south of Nashville. Frank and his sisters grew up in and around Pine Hill in southern Alabama. His remembrances of those times and circumstances have entertained family and friends for generations. After serving in the U.S. Army Military Police during and after World War II, Frank joined the Shorewood Hills Police Department from which he retired in 1977 as Chief. His favorite area of expertise was working with children, often in public school classrooms. Frank also counseled adolescents and teens. As a police officer he regularly rendered assistance whether of an official nature or not. Frank loved his family and friends. With wife Louise, he devoted his retirement years to travel, visiting, and hosting in his own home. For many years, he handcrafted gifts and projects in a wood shop in his basement. Frank had a lifelong interest in and enthusiasm for automobiles. Frank is survived by sons, Dan of Tucson, Ariz., and Joe of Rock Springs, Wis.; stepson, Tom Fitzgerald of Madison; as well as an extensive and extended family of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a lifetime of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles L. and Dallas; wives, Wanda L (Simmons) in 1965, Betty J. (Thompson) in 1986 and Louise M. (Bischoff) in 2011; stepdaughter, Cathy Fitzgerald passed away in January 2013; brother, Joseph; and sisters, Swanna (Tut) Harvey, Louise Agee, and Dot Wright. Funeral services will be held GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 1 p.m., on Monday, Aug. 24, 2015, with the Rev. Jason Mack presiding. Burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from noon until the time of the service on Monday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608)221-5420
Events
Visitation
Mon Aug 24, 2015 @ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Service
Mon Aug 24, 2015 @ 1:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
Memories
JZ
James Zaffino
Other •
Hi Grandpa Frank!
Thank you for all of the great memories. I am really going to miss you a lot. You were a great guy and had a solid heart. Thank you for your service to our country as well as being a police officer. I hope that you rest in eternal peace and that you are with God in heaven!
God Bless,
James :)
EA
Evan Ashworth
Other •
Dear Grandpa,
You were an incredible man. One of my early memories was visiting you in Wisconsin, and you gave me a license plate for my bicycle, which I was just learning to ride without training wheels. You were always smiling and you had a hearty, honest laugh. Your enthusiasm was positively infectious! I only wish I could have visited you more often--I'm really going to miss you. Rest in Peace, sir!
Evan
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Jayne
Other •
Franko!
You came to our family just when we needed you most. I will live a life with a light and happy heart to honor you. Thank you for the whistles, the jazz punctuation to your joyful greetings, and for the wonderful Amazing Grace harmonica playing. You taught me many things about living a good life, with God's presence. Thank you! I love you and look forward to a continued bond with you. Love, Jayne
JM
julie Madden
Other •
My husband, Tom Madden, was the F.B.I. in the 70's and knew Frank well. He always respected him as a man of integrity....always ready to help a friend. I remember Frank being at many of the agents party's, he always had a smile and something fun to say with that slight southern drawl. Great guy!!!!!! Julie Madden
JG
Joan Ogden Gelhaus
Other •
To the family, Frank was my neighbor as I was growing up on Old Sauk Rd. I baby sat the boys for Wanda and Frank. When Joanie Oswald was hit on her bike by a semi on University Avenue. Frank was the first officer on the scene. He was very kind to me as I was very frightened. I rode with him as he took Joanie to the hospital. He was a very kind and fun person. Joan Ogden Gelhaus
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Emily
Other •
When Frank was dating Betty Fitzgerald, I babysat Betty's daughter. I don't remember him ever not smiling! I later started dating Frank's son, Joe. When Joe took me to Frank & Betty's, I was so nervous about meeting my 'boyfriend's parents'. Frank made me feel welcome immediately with his big smile and welcoming expression. Such a nice man! So sorry to family and close friends for your loss.
Emily (Webb) Kolman