Obituary of Alan L. Ashby

Alan L. Ashby, 91, of Carlinville, IL, was called to Heaven on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at his home in Carlinville, IL. Alan was born in rural Macoupin County on May 18, 1933, to Clarence Ottis and Myrle Anderson Ashby. In 1946, Clarence married Ruth Mitchell of Palmyra, IL, and she became the beloved step mother of Clarence's seven children. Alan met Georgia F. Maguire while attending Northwestern High School and they married in Carlinville on April 4, 1952. They raised their family in Hettick, IL, until moving to Carlinville in 1962. Alan worked at Allis Chalmers in Springfield until 1957 when he began working at Schien Body and Equipment in Carlinville. Alan had many jobs at Schien, including mechanic, welder, ship foreman and Plant Supervisor. Alan left Schien in 1980 to work at Cisco Trucking for the next 5 years. This was a hard decision for Alan. He valued his time at Schien and enjoyed working for the Schien family. Alan and his good friend, Norm Crays, bought Plaza Truck Service in 1986 and together grew the business and eventually started Carlinville Truck Equipment. Though the businesses were divided years ago, Norm and Alan remained the best of friends. Alan continued to work until June of this year when he was no longer able. Alan was very proud to have worked in the trucking industry for 67 years. Alan's faith was the most important element in his life. He attended the Carlinville Assembly of God for many years, where he taught Sunday School and rarely missed a service. He lived his faith in God and trusted his Lord in all aspects of his life. Alan was preceded in death by his wife Georgia F. Maguire Ashby, son-in-law Kent (Genny) Young, his parents Clarence O. Ashby and Myrle O. Keenan, his dear stepmother Ruth E. Mitchell Ashby, sister Phyllis Ashby and her husband Don L. Hopper, brother Donald E. Ashby and his wife Darlene E. Harris Ashby, his brother-in-law Paul D. (Carol) Nevin, and brother-in-law C.J. (Linda) Stewart. Alan is survived by his seven children: Genevieve "Genny" Young of Eureka, IL, Rhonda (Russell) Coulter of Sparta, IL, Mary (Ted) Robbins of Springfield, IL, Margaret (John) Norris of Carlinville, IL, Paula Striplin of Springfield, IL, James "Andy" (Cindy) Ashby of Carlinville, IL, and Jonathan "Jon" Ashby of Carlinville, IL, 21 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, also his siblings Linda Stewart, Carol Nevin, Marilyn "Joyce" Ashby, and Gary (Rosemary) Ashby, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and their extended families. Alan will be deeply missed by all that had the privilege of knowing him. Alan's family wishes to express their love and thanks to all who have supported them in this time of grief. With sincere gratitude and love for their sacrifices, they expressly wish to thank their sister Margaret and her husband John Norris for the love they showed Alan by living with him for he past 12 years. They extended Dad's comfort and enjoyment in life in so many ways. Alan was a member of the Macoupin County Civil War Roundtable, Mid-West Truckers Association, Service Specialist Association and the ROMEO breakfast group. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 29, 2024, 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Carlinville First Church, Carlinville, IL. Funeral Services will be conducted at 10:00 am, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Carlinville First Church, Carlinville. Burial will follow in Charity Cemetery, Carlinville. Memorials may be made to Carlinville First Church. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.