Carl H. Armstrong, 97 Life Time Member of First Presbyterian Church of Ashland Carl Hugh Armstrong, 97, of Ashland, Ohio passed away peacefully on July 3, 2017 at Lutheran Village of Ashland. Born on March 26, 1920, he was the son of Elzie E. and Blanche (Pifer) Armstrong. Carl was a 1938 graduate of Ashland High School. He played the saxophone in the Ashland High School Band and the Ohio State Fair Boys Band for seven years, some of that time on staff. He also played in several dance bands, as well as the US Army Division Band during World War II. Following graduation, Carl worked at Brookside Park in Ashland until he was drafted into the US Army on October 8, 1941. After basic training, Carl became a private in the 27th Infantry Division and spent four years in the Pacific Theater. Carl was also a member of the 27th Infantry Division Band and aided the medics as a “litter bearer” during action. He was promoted to a Sergeant Technician and served on three separate island assaults, including Makin, Saipan and Okinawa. He received the Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Medal 1941-1945, Army of Occupation Medal and Combat Infantryman’s Badge. Carl was honorably discharged exactly four years later, having never received a furlough. After the war, Carl worked for thirty years at Faultess-Abbott Laboratories as a research and development machinist, retiring on October 31, 1982. He enjoyed listening to music, woodman ship, photography and gardening. Carl was a lifetime member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ashland where he served as a trustee, deacon and elder. He also was a member of the board for the church’s new addition. Carl’s greatest love was his family. He and his loving wife Ruth Alice (Roberts) Armstrong celebrated their seventieth wedding anniversary in November, 2016. In addition to living in Ashland, Carl and Ruth spent nineteen winters at their second home in Jensen Beach, Florida to be near their family. Carl leaves behind his adoring wife Ruth Alice (Roberts) Armstrong; son Dennis Hugh Armstrong (Sandra Kay); daughter Cynthia Armstrong Runkel (Stephen); granddaughters Leslie Catherine (Armstrong) Candes (Michael), Jennifer Marie Armstrong, and Shelly (Armstrong) Potsko (Adam); and great-grandchildren Lena Catherine Candes and Evan Hugh Candes; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins whom he loved dearly. Carl was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, a niece and nephew. Funeral services will be held, Friday, July 7, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in the First Presbyterian Church, 320 Church Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805 with Reverend Michael Parker officiating. A reception will follow the ceremony in the fellowship hall. A private family interment will follow in the Ashland Cemetery where the Ashland Veteran’ Honor Guard will conduct full military honors. Friends may call one hour prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the church lounge. In lieu of flowers please make donations to First Presbyterian Church of Ashland, 320 Church Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805 or to Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1050 Dauch Drive, Ashland Ohio, 44805. For those who may not be able to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com. Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.