Cpl Benjamin Ashley

Cpl. Benjamin James-Thomas Ashley, 22, of Independence, MO, passed away Thursday, May 24, 2007 in Balad, Iraq. Services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 4, 2007 at Bethel Baptist Church. Visitation will be 2-5:00 p.m. Sunday June 3, 2007 at the church. Burial with full military honors at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Mercy Hospital. Ben was born July 7, 1984 in Independence, MO to Kenneth and Donna (Thomas) Ashley. He was a graduate of Truman High School where he was active in band. Ben was an Eagle Scout with 3 Palms in troop #224 and was a Hardway Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, and had earned his Order of the Arrow and God and Country medals. His highest honors are the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart and the Combat Action Badge. During his time of service he received the Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Overseas Service Medal in addition to others. He is survived by his wife Kassandra Ashley of the home; son Alexander Gage Ashley; parents Ken and Donna Ashley; sister Khristin Ashley Dutzel and husband Samuel; mother-in-law Lynne Hicks and husband Bob; brother-in-law Kerry Kistner and wife Jennifer; maternal grandmother Helen Thomas, paternal grandparents James and Patty Ashley, nephews Bryce, Lohen and niece MaKenna Dutzel; grandmother-in-law Mary Dowell, grandfather-in-law Carl Dowell. Ben was preceded in death by his granddad Herbert Thomas.