John Eugene Ash, age 74, of Burr Oak, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, April 14, 2025.

John was born on February 24, 1951, in Sturgis, Michigan, a son of the late John Eugene and Jeanie (Jenson) Ash. John was a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1969. John proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and the United States Army. He was honorably discharged from both branches. John continued to work for the Air Force in communications before settling back down in Sturgis. He then worked for the Sturgis Police Department, earning the title of Sergeant. While employed in the department, John also taught at Howe Military School, and criminal law at Glenn Oaks Community College. John then took a position as detective for St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department. During his time there, he also ran his small cleaning business, CDC Cleaning. Later in life, John worked as a bus driver for Colon Community Schools, a process server, and as Bailiff for the St. Joseph County Courts.  John was also a member of the Colon Church of Christ.

On October 24, 2003, John married Marsha K. (Wagner) Smith in Sturgis, at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Surviving John is hiswife-Marsha K. Ash of Burr Oak, daughter Elizabeth (Bruce) Jordan of Burr Oak, son Joseph Ash of Windsor, Canada, stepchildren: James R. (Precious) Smith Jr. of Mendon, and Brian D. (Kristin) Smith of Ada, grandchildren: Harrison (Jasmine) Swihart, Connor Swihart, Caleb Jordan, Riley Jordan, Kaitlyn Jordan, and Noah Jordan, step grandchildren: Allyah Smith, Lyndsay (Florenzio) Smith, Grace Smith, Capri Pargie Smith, and Wesley Richard Smith, great-grandchildren: Asteria, Amorah, and Theoden, step great-grandson: August Florenzio Vigil, and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Jeanie Ash, his stepmother, Eithel Ash, and first wife Sherryl Ash.

The Ash family will receive friends and relatives on Monday, April 21, 2025, from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Schipper Funeral Home Ltd. in Colon, Michigan. A funeral service celebrating John will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, also at the funeral home, beginning at 11:00 AM with Pastor Jay Stoner officiating. Following services, cremation will take place with a private interment of ashes in Oaklawn Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorial donations be made to the Ash Family or the Colon Church of Christ. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.