Dan Ashley, Jr.

Dan Ashley Jr. left his earthly home on December 12, 2024. Dan Jr. was born on July 29, 1949 in Shreveport, LA. to Carrie Lee and Dan Ashley Sr. He was the eldest of 6 children born to that union. He cherished his role as the little big brother.

Dan Jr. was preceeded in death by both of his parents, his brother, Jackie Lynn Ashley, and his grandson Alonzo “A.J.” Ashley Jr.

Dan Jr. graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in his home town of Shreveport, LA. in May of 1967. Upon graduating from high school, Dan Jr. joined the United States Navy. After receiving an honorable discharge, Dan Jr. was traveling to California and stopped in Kansas City, MO.  where he met and fell in love with LuRue  (Rudy), the love of his life. Needless to say, Dan Jr. never made it to California.  Dan Jr. and Rudy dated for a year and the Love birds were joined in holy matrimony on August 2, 1970. To this union 3 children were born, Alonzo “Munch”, Crystal “Crissy”, and Bryan “Scoot”.

Dan Jr. worked for the United States Postal Service for 5 years before finding his long-term job in retail. He worked for Safeway/ Food Barn for 25 years. After the closing of Safeway/Food Barn, Dan Jr.  became an entrepreneur. He attended Ea La Mar’s Cosmetology and Barber College, where he earned top honors and his barber license. He could be found dropping knowledge at Cuttin’ Up Barber Shop until his health declined.

Dan Jr. accepted Christ as a child and was baptized at the historical Cornerstone Missionary Baptized Church in Dixie, LA. He joined This Rock Christian Tabernacle, were he was ordained as a deacon. Dan Jr. converted and was baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness on December 24, 2018.

Dan Jr. loved to dress.  When you saw him, he was always as sharp as a tack. He also loved to dance, especially the KC Two Step, which he and his wife Rudy were known for steppin’. They won dance contests in Kansas and Missouri. He was known for dancing like James Brown. Not only did Dan Jr. cut hair but he would cut a rug too!

Dan Jr. leaves to cherish his precious memories, his devoted wife of 54 years, LuRue Ashley, his sons Alonzo Ashley and Bryan Ashley both of Kansas City, MO., his daughter Crystal Courtney (Shawn) of Raymore, MO., sisters, Alma Jean Ashley and Elizabeth Ashley both of Kansas City, MO., his brother, Don Dewayne Ashley of Kansas City, MO., his siblings-in-law, Bishop George and Pastor Mary Reese, Robert Reese, Min. Ronald Reese, Steven and Missionary Joy Reese, Deacon James Turner, grandchildren, Lonzo Ashley, Lonzell Ashley, Ciann Courtney, Shawn Courtney Jr., great-granddaughter, Zoe Ashley and  “other daughters” Andrea Reese, Katrina King and Mykeiana Martin-Davis and a host of other family and friends.