Thomas E. "Ed" Ashman Jr., 77, of Jermyn, a former Waymart resident for more than 40 years, died Monday after complications from Parkinson's disease. Born in Throop, he was the son of the late Thomas E. Ashman and Geraldine Shaffer Ashman Conley. After graduating from Throop High School, he enlisted in the Air Force and served in the medical corps. He attended Temple University, where he received a degree in pharmacy, and went to work at H.F. Clark Pharmacy in Carbondale. He bought the pharmacy in 1959 and managed and operated it as T.E. Ashman's Pharmacy until 1986. During that time, he was also a partner in the Carbondale Nursing Home and served as director for many years. After selling the pharmacy, he went into real estate, last working for Ruddy Realty in Carbondale until his retirement. He was past president of many organizations, including the Lackawanna Pharmaceutical Association, the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce, the Western Wayne Taxpayers Association, the Waymart Community Association, the Throop High School Alumni Association and the Carbondale Commercial Bowling League. He was a member and past commander of Waymart American Legion Post 889. He also served on the board of trustees at Farview State Hospital. In addition to bowling, he was an avid golfer, with two holes-in-one, and was a member of Elkview Country Club, where he served on the board of directors. He was also a member of Waymart Calvary United Methodist Church. A huge Penn State football fan, he especially loved going to the bowl games with his wife and friends. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and especially looked forward to family vacations and his outings and trips with friends. Some of his last words were, "We had a lot of fun," and his family sure did. He enjoyed photography and working around the house. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and he will be greatly missed by his family. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Gail Ashman and Agnes Snyder. A funeral service will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Brennan and Brennan Funeral Home Inc., 55 Lincoln Ave., Carbondale. Friends may call Wednesday, 5 to 8 p.m.; and Thursday, 10 a.m. until service time.

Published in Scranton Times on Sept. 23, 2008.