Robert Ash was born on July 26, 1942 in Cheraw, South Carolina to Curtis and Henrietta Ashe and was one of nine children. He was a man of God, with great understanding of the bible. He will be remembered for his loving kindness, infinite courage, strength, and devotion to God. At the age of 15, he moved to Florida, where he lived and attended Gibbs High School. Upon graduation, he joined the United States Navy and served from 1961 to 1969. Robert was also involved in the Cuban missile blockade, supporting the forces that escorted intelligence gathering ships and much more. In his early thirties, he moved to Lansing and attended Lansing Community College. He graduated with a degree in Law Enforcement and received many certificates of achievement. He worked as a Corrections Officer for the State of Michigan. He also worked 30 years at General Motors, until he retired. Robert received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at St. Paul Church of God in Christ, where he developed a close relationship with God. It was also at St. Paul Church where he later married his high school sweetheart, Elinda Watson. Robert was devoted to his wife, family and grandchildren. He was a loving father and grandfather. He will always be remembered for his love, strength, courage, and as a man of faith. He loved doing anything for his family. Christmas was always a challenge because he loved to see the smiles on everyones faces. Consequently, the more gifts, the more smiles. Robert was preceded in death by: his mother, Henrietta Ashe; father, Curtis Ashe; and brothers, Clarence Alexander Ashe and Kenneth Augustus Ashe. Robert went home to be with the Lord September 29, 2012. He is survived by: his wife of 37 years, Elinda Ann Ash; children, Leon (Corby) Ash, Andrew Ash, Danielle Ash, Darleana Ash, and Elisha Ash; granddaughters, Antonia Gates, Jada Ash, Camryn Ash, Olivia Ash, and Zoe Ash; grandson, Julius Ash; siblings, Curtis (Cheryl) Ashe, Calvin Sanders, Alice Ashe, Gussie Ashe, Tomas Ashe, Clarissa (Hank) Ashe-Council; aunt, Ruth Hancock; sister-in-law, Bertha Ashe; goddaughters, Sydney Taylor Israel and Akeyla Smith; nieces, nephews, cousins, church family members, and all the day care kids that knew him as Papa . Funeral Servics will be held Friday, October 12, 12 pm at New Jerusalem Church 1919 Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing. The Family will recieve friends a hour prior to service