HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 101

(By Delegate Hanshaw (Mr. Speaker))

[On Behalf of All Members of the House]

[Introduced May 20, 2024]

Commemorating the life of Robert Gene “Bob” Ashley, committed husband, father, grandfather, and lifetime public servant.

Whereas, Bob Ashley was born on the Fourth of July, in 1953, to the late Honorable Gene M. Ashley and Kathleen Harris Ashley; and

Whereas, Bob married his best friend, Judge Anita Harold Ashley, on May 30, 1981, and the two became parents to Benjamin Scott Ashley and Samuel David Ashley, then proudly took on the role of doting grandparents to Alaina Yvonne Ashley, Faye Kathleen Ashley, and Harold Lewis Ashley; and

Whereas, Bob dedicated his life to the service of the people of Roane County, serving with the Spencer Chamber of Commerce, the Roane County Economic Development Authority, Allohak Council of Boy Scouts of America, Roane County Republican Executive Committee, and Spencer Rotary, as well as St. John’s United Methodist Church; and

Whereas, Bob believed in hard work, taking his degree in business from Marshall University and starting Ashley Insurance Agency after working for Leonard Starcher’s floral shop, Carper’s Restaurant, Hardman’s, and Hometown Flowers and Gifts; and

Whereas, Bob followed his father into elected service in the West Virginia House of Delegates in 1984, spending two legislative terms as Minority Whip; two terms as Minority Leader; one session as Vice Chairman of the House Finance Committee; and was later appointed to the West Virginia Senate, serving a total of 30 years with the West Virginia Legislature, where he represented the people of Roane, Jackson, Clay, Gilmer, Wood, and Pleasants counties; and

Whereas, Bob most recently served West Virginia as a part-time regional representative for Governor Jim Justice’s administration, and prior to that as legislative director for the Justice administration; and

Whereas, Bob was known throughout the Capitol for his constant and genuine smile, his patient counsel, and above all, a friendly civility that knew no political party; and

Whereas, Sadly, Bob Ashley passed away shortly after midnight on May 15, 2024, after a brief illness, ending a life that was dedicated to family, faith, and service; and

Whereas, It is fitting that the Legislature honor the life and legacy of Bob Ashley for his many years of dedicated public service; therefore be it  

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Legislature hereby commemorates the life of Robert Gene “Bob” Ashley, committed husband, father, grandfather, and lifetime public servant; and, be it

Further Resolved, That it is with heartfelt gratitude and sincere sadness that the members and staff of the Legislature hereby extend condolences to the family of Bob Ashley as we collectively mourn his loss; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare and provide a certified copy of this resolution to the family of Robert Gene “Bob” Ashley.