Ira Lee Asbury

Ira Lee Asbury, 55, of Galesburg, passed away at 5:08 AM, Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at Galesburg Cottage Hospital. Ira was born March 6, 1961 in Galesburg, the son of Wayne and Janice (Sargent) Asbury. He attended Knoxville schools.  Ira married the love of his life, Dorothea Sue (Drake) Nichols, on September 13, 1997 in Winthrop Harbor, Illinois. He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothea, of Galesburg; his parents, Wayne, Sr. (Mae) Asbury of North Carolina and Janice (Albert) Westfall  of Henderson; one son, Kevin (Melissa) Asbury of Yates City; three daughters, Mary Asbury of Bartonville, Amanda (Dusty) Ballou, and Heather (Sanjeev) Choudhary both of Vermont; one brother, Wayne, Jr. (Michlalynna) Asbury of Missouri; one sister, Montalea (Terry) Gray of Galesburg; 15 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Ira worked for Kiley Development Center in Waukegan from 1980 until 1994; he then spent the next 20 years as a pool and spa warehouse manager for Hanson’s Pool & Spa of Kenosha, Wisconsin. He loved woodworking, and could always be found in his garage working on beautiful wood pieces for his friends and family. Ira also had a passion for motorcycles, and telling jokes; but, most of all Ira loved to spend time with his family. Ira was deeply loved and his presence and hilarious sense of humor will be greatly missed by those who were closest to him. Per Ira's wishes, cremations rites have been accorded. A celebration of Ira's life will be at 2 PM, Friday, May 13, 2016 at the Thomas Legacy Center, Galesburg, Illinois. Memorials in Ira's honor may be given to the family for a charity to be chosen at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.