Dick Ashburn

Ashburn, Richard Allen, 77, of Lake St Louis, MO, died on August 11, 2025, peacefully with family at his bedside due to complications of A.M.L. Richard, known to many as ‘Dick,’ was born in St Louis, MO. He graduated from Lawrenceville High School in Lawrenceville, IL. Throughout his summers, he held many adventure-filled jobs, from floating down the Mississippi River working on barges to the depths of the coal mines in Southern Illinois. He graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelors degree in Political Science. He began his career in sales at Fischer & Fritchell. As a true entrepreneur, Dick started Ashburn Painting Company, a successful business that originated in Harbor Town and grew to serve the greater St. Louis area for over 40 years. Dick was a true lover of travel. Many hours were spent happily driving back roads from coast to coast in his beloved RV with his wife, Kathy. He was very active & hiked many National Parks & climbed several 14,000+ ft mountains. He had visited all but 2 of the National Parks. Aside from travel, some of his other passions include listening to blue grass music, geocaching, photography, the giving & receiving of ducks amongst fellow Jeep owners & serving the community as a member of the Elk’s Club. He never tired of learning & loved teaching his grandchildren from making their volcanoes to engaging in penny challenges, as well as enjoying many pontoon rides on Lake St Louis. Dick is preceded in death by his parents, Dallam & Ruth Ashburn. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Kathy Ashburn, his stepchildren Lisa (Jude) Reed, Jackie Billet & Dave Billet. His 5 grandchildren, Jake, Lilly, Cade & Cole Reed & Mary Claire Billet. He is also survived by his sister Nancy (Marcelo) Miranda of Boston, MA, nephew Alejandro (Tara), nephew Mason & niece Ava Miranda. He was a good friend, son, uncle, nephew, brother in law, cousin to many, including a special godfather to Kristen Van Giesen. He will be sorely missed. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Wentzville United Methodist Church, preceded by a visitation from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Parks Foundation by visiting www.givenationalparks.org