Gary J. Ashman, 82, of Murphysboro, passed away at 1:44 p.m. Friday, January 26, 2018, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Gary was born on March 23, 1935, in Herrin, Illinois, to Garrett Ashman and Aileen (Ferges) Ashman.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1954 and he was stationed in Germany.

After working for twenty five years with the Illinois State Police, Mr. Ashman retired as a special agent in the Division of Criminal Investigations. He then served as a bailiff at the Jackson County Courthouse in Murphysboro.

He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Murphysboro.

Gary liked to fish and go to the shooting range. He enjoyed nature and bird watching, and he especially loved to garden.

He married Lois June Graff on December 18, 1954, in Corinth, Mississippi, and she survives

Other survivors include one daughter and son in law Valerie and Michael Schlosser of Lincolnshire, IL;

three granddaughters Laura Schlosser of Milwaukee, WI, Sarah Schlosser of Lincolnshire, IL, and Julia Schlosser of Miami, FL;

one brother Tom Ashman of Lake of Egypt, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 31, 2018, at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Rev. Josemon Hoem officiating and burial at Murdale Gardens of Memory with military services conducted by the Paul Stout American Legion Post # 127. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Immanuel Lutheran School. For more information, please visit www.pettettfuneralhome.com.