Born March 18, 1939, in McAlester, he was the son of Orville L. and Eva Lois (Koogle) Ashmore. He grew up here and graduated from McAlester High School in 1957. He then attended Oklahoma State University where he earned his bachelors degree in forestry. He then attended Oklahoma University Law School, where he earned his Jurus Doctorate in 1965, and began his law practice in McAlester which he continued for 17 years. In 1967 he also got involved in the restaurant business with Kentucky Fried Chicken and currently owns KFC franchises in southeastern Oklahoma and northeastern Texas, as well as a couple of Mazzio Pizza Restaurants and a convenience store. He was also involved in ranching and enjoyed sailing and photography in his spare time. He also had a special interest in antique cars, of which he has had several throughout his life. He was a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association, the Pittsburg County Bar Association, the Southwest Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchise Association, the McAlester Elks Lodge and the McAlester Country Club. Survivors include his wife, Debra Ashmore, of the home; his children, James Lee Ashmore and his partner, Robbie Byrd, of Oklahoma City, Andrea Arnote Marler and her husband, Randy, of Norman, and Melissa Dawn Bowman and her husband, Weldon, of Tulsa. Also, four grandchildren, Lora Walker, Addison Marler, Sydney Marler and Ella Bowman; two brothers, Alfred G. Ashmore and his wife, Jean, of Fort Gibson, and Jonathon D. Ashmore and his wife, Lisa, Rosamond, Calif., and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be John Freeman, Bob Ivester, Ken Bass, Carlton Bass, Dr. Steve Stangl and Stuart Wright. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Pittsburg County Bar Association. He was preceded in death by his parents, Orville L. and Eva Lois Ashmore. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at McAlester Expo Center with the Rev. Dr. John Stringer officiating. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery under the direction of Brumley-Mills Funeral Home of McAlester.