David Crockett Ashe

David C. Ashe, 90, of Boca Raton, FL, passed away on Monday, October 5th, 2015 at Hospice by the Sea Care Center in Boca Raton, FL.

 

David C. Ashe was born July 7th, 1925, in Oak Hill, FL, to Haven and Maude Ashe. He was the 4th oldest of 2 brothers and 9 sisters. At the age of 5, he moved to Boca Raton and attended Deerfield Elementary and then graduated from Pompano High School. In 1942, at the age of 17, he left school and joined the US Navy. He was stationed in Pearl Harbor as security patrol and large harbor tug service. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946 and returned to Boca Raton where he began a career as owner/manager of Causeway Lumber, a lumber and building materials supplier here in Boca Raton.

 

Throughout his long life here in Boca Raton, David was heavily involved in community service. Below is  a list of the many accomplishments David was involved with to help improve the city of Boca Raton:

Boca Raton Inlet, 1946- Initiated fund raising to open channel 1946 via dragline rental and city purchase of permanent dredging equipment.

 

Little League Baseball, 1950- League started/sponsor 1950

 

Boca Raton Airport- Along with Aris Smith and Dominic Jalbert, Mr. Ashe brought suit to retain 200 acres for an airport facility for the city from the government when they closed the WWII base.

 

Silver Palm Boat Ramp, 1960- Working with the Boca Raton Boat Club, Mr. Ashe solicited Arthur Vining Davis, owner of the Boca Raton Hotel and Club, to donate the 12+ acres that is Silver Palm Boat Ramp today.

 

Lions Club, 1960- Active member and supporter for 25 yrs. Life Member.

 

Junto Club and Boca Raton Elks, 1960-2012- Active member and supporter for 52 yrs.

 

YMCA of Boca Raton, 1970- Formed and chaired fundraising committee through Paul Schnabel, President of Texaco Corporation's Boca Del Mar Development, Texaco donated the land which is YMCA today.

 

Chamber of Commerce, 1971-1978- "Man of the Year" Helped Chamber acquire site and construct the facility on N. Dixie. Membership Committee, Building Committee.

 

Boca Raton Historical Society, 1970-1971- Founder and Chairman. Chartered in members, started acquiring photos, documents, newspapers, etc. Was instrumental in saving Old Town Hall, Train Depot, and the Lillian Race Williams residence. Today the society is located in Old Town Hall.

Boca Raton Pioneer Club,1972- Founder and Chairman. Meeting twice a year, the pioneers enjoy fellowship while swapping stories of Boca Raton's wonderful days gone by.

 

Spanish River Park/Red Reef Park/South Beach Park, 1973-1975- As a City Council Member, Mr. Ashe and W. M. Cruickshank proposed a bond issue to finance the purchase of beach front property from J. Myer, the Shine Family, and the Fisher Family. The bond issue was approved by the voters.

 

Lake Wyman Park, 1973-1975 Working with Alan Alford and W. M. Cruickshank, Mr. Ashe asked the Florida Inland Navigation District to deed the land to the City of Boca.

 

Boca Raton City Council Habilitation, 1973-1975

 

Center For The Handicapped, 1981- Located in a small warehouse on NW 1st Ave, Elaine Dagan, the Center Director, asked Mr.Ashe to help find a larger facility. He asked and was successful acquiring a donation from the county for ten acres on Boca Rio Road, and ten additional acres for the Family Foundation for family counseling.

 

The Eagle, 1982-1987- Initiated and chaired the committee to erect an Eagle sculpture to show the community's appreciation for those who served in the armed forces. With approval from the city council, funds

were raised entirely through donation ($250,000) and an artist was commissioned. One of the largest eagles in the country, it stands proudly at the entrance to the Boca Raton Police Station.

 

Blue Ribbon Beautification Committee, 1984-1988- At the request of the Mayor and City Council, Mr. Ashe formed a beautification committee. First Chairman of the Beautification Committee, Mr. Ashe proposed the city institute a plan to cleanup, landscape and irrigate the medians and swale areas throughout the city. The

committee raised funds through a Pink Elephant Sale along with funds from the city. Their first project was the U.S. 1 median at the entrance to the city from the Hillsboro Bridge to Camino Real. Through the efforts of Mr. Ashe and many others who gave their time, expertise, and contributions our city is a truly unique place to live.

 

Citizens For Beach Re-nourishment and Park Development, 1986- As first Chairman of the committee for beach restoration Mr. Ashe lobbied the Federal and State government to match funds with the city to contract dredging companies to replace the sand which had eroded over time.

 

 

David is survived by his daughter, Sharon Springman of Jupiter, Son, Joe Ashe of Boca Raton, and their mother, Betty Jo Whiddon, Grandchildren, Tracie Ashe of New Orleans, Joel Ashe of Boca Raton, and David Springman of Lake Placid, FL.

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