Paul Frank Ashton Obituary (1943

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Paul Frank Ashton, 74, of Provo, Utah, passed away at home on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, from heart failure. He was born in Provo, Utah, on March 11, 1943, to Norma Lewis and Frank Davis Ashton. Paul was raised in Provo and graduated in 1961 from Provo High School, where he developed his love for all things automotive. In his senior year, he won the Rotary Club Safe-Driving Rodeo, and within two weeks had his license suspended for too many speeding tickets! After graduation, Paul enlisted in the US Army Reserves and excelled as a Motor Pool Sergeant. He fell in love with and married his eternal sweetheart, Kaylene Gray, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on August 27, 1964. They made their home in Provo, and Paul worked as the produce department manager at Allen’s Market. His avocation was racing at Suntana Raceway. His car passion spurred him to save enough money to develop his dream. In 1966, he bought a service station, known to generations of Provo residents and BYU students as Stadium Service, which he owned and operated until 2002. Building upon good service and genuine concern for his customers, he expanded and bought Edgemont Service in 1974, where he loved working even past his “retirement” in 2014 until the day he passed away. Paul believed in giving his all and helping wherever he could. Along with running the stations, he was president of the Petroleum Retailers Organization Co-op and later became the Executive Director. He was also a lobbyist for gasoline and automotive businesses at the Utah State Legislature. Paul’s greatest joy was being a husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa. Family came first, and he proved his love and loyalty every day by his actions. He treasured Kaylene and being her forever partner. He loved unconditionally as he taught his children when they were young, and he continued to encourage and support them as they became adults. He cherished his grandchildren and they deeply felt that love. “Pops/Papa” could nearly always be found holding, hugging, teasing, teaching, or leading them as they tagged along. He built wonderful family traditions and provided lasting memories of time spent playing games, wrestling, four-wheeling, and snowmobiling, as well as playing and working at the Wheeler family cabin. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving diligently in many callings. He especially loved serving with Kaylene as workers in the Provo Temple and as Stake Service Missionaries. He was known for his friendliness and willingness to help anyone in need. His life exemplified a true love of Christ, and he will be fondly remembered for his example of goodness to all who knew him. Paul is survived by his wife of 52 years, Kaylene; four sons and one daughter: Alan (Julie), Spanish Fork; Brian, Provo; Todd (Shelli), St. George; Angie (Jayson) Mansanarez, Orem; Scott (Cassie), Provo; fourteen grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two brothers and one sister: Melvin (Phyllis), St. George; Jean (Robert) Thornock, Provo; Clyde (Joy), Lindon. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant daughter, Amy. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 15, 2017, at 11:00am at the Grandview South Stake Center, 1122 Grand Avenue, Provo, UT 84604. There will be a viewing at Berg Mortuary, 185 E. Center Street, Provo, UT 84606 on Friday from 6:00-8:00pm and at the chapel on Saturday prior to the service from 10:00-10:45am. Interment will be at the Provo City Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at www.bergmortuary.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund, http://give.lds.org/pef.