Lewis D. Ashcraft, 78, former Franklin County Kansas Sheriff, passed away peacefully at his home in Dos Palos, CA, on January 1, 2022 from a recent battle with cancer.
Lewis served as Sheriff from 1973 to 1975 and was the last Sheriff to live in the old jail and Sheriff’s Quarters before it was torn down, circa 1974.
He was born August 31, 1943 to Hollis and Josephine CRAWFORD Ashcraft in McAlester, OK.
Lewis married Donna June CHERRY Humerickhouse on January 24, 1969. Together they had one son, Lewis (Junior) D. Ashcraft, Jr. of Modesto, CA.
Lewis was a loving step-father to Donna’s sons from a previous marriage, Ronnie Humerickhouse of Grand Junction, CO, Ricky (Kim) and Randy (Mary) Humerickhouse both of Olathe. He was also father to Kevin, Karla and Brian Ashcraft.
After Donna’s death, Lewis married Betty BARNES of Dos Palos, CA., on Oct 23, 2016; who was lovingly and faithfully with him during his illness and passing.
Lewis was a Christian, and a Military Veteran.
He proudly served the US Army as a Military Police Officer, earning an Expert Carbine Badge, Senior Dog Handler Badge, and received an Honorable Discharge with SP 4 Ranking on December 3, 1965.
During his retirement he loved traveling and was an avid fisherman for Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass and catfish.
Back in his day, he loved fishing, camping, and most of all, bird hunting with his self-trained Brittany Bird Dog, Hud. And of course, he worked diligently, protecting the community, solving many crimes, catching criminals, and patrolling during inclement weather at all hours.
He was an avid Kansas City Chief, Royals and Jayhawk fan; recently cheering the Chiefs during his last bedfast days, with a special liking of Patrick Mahomes.
Most-of-all, Lewis loved all of his family and all of his many friends, especially those of the KHP, KBI, State Fish and game, Ottawa PD and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
Although he had difficulty talking in his last days, his common words to all those he could talk to, were, “I love you”.
It goes without saying, he was a strong leader and instrumental in giving many people their starts in successful Law Enforcement Careers – Thank You, Lewis!
He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving Wife Donna in 1977, brother Ron Ashcraft in 2019, and his best friends from Ottawa, Homer Baldwin and Franz Aubry. Also, a note here to mention former Deputy Danny Mullen as well, whom Lewis thought the world of.
Survivors include his wife Betty, his Sisters Cathy ASHCRAFT (Gary) Garrison and Beverly ASHCRAFT (John) Malloy; and Junior, Ronnie, Ricky, Randy, Kevin, Karla and Brian.
Honorary Military Services (Anatomical Donation and Cremation) are pending at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, Santa Nella, CA.
Lewis requested no flowers or memorials.
RIP Lewis…
