Veteran Chaplain for C-U First Responders Passes Away at 73

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The community mourns the loss of Pastor David Ashby, a devoted chaplain for the Champaign and Urbana Fire and Police Departments, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 73.

In addition to his chaplaincy, Ashby served as the pastor of Trinity Community Fellowship in Farmer City, where he provided spiritual guidance and leadership.

Urbana Fire Department Deputy Chief Steven Doggett reflected on Ashby’s unwavering support, noting his presence during both celebratory and challenging times for the firefighters.

“It’s difficult to count the number of weddings he presided over for firefighters in the Champaign-Urbana community, and sadly, he also officiated several funerals,” Doggett shared.

Doggett said public service runs in the longtime chaplain’s family. His father Willard was Champaign’s Fire Chief, his two sons were both firefighters — one in Urbana and the other in Champaign — and now his grandson is joining the family business as well.

“I think that’s a legacy we’ll always remember,” Doggett said. “I think a small part of him has passed on to us.”

Champaign Fire Chief Tyler Funk said talking to the chaplain for help never felt like treatment — but instead a conversation with a friend.

“He’s just so comfortable to talk to that I think guys really latched onto him as a mentor who could bring peace to him during difficult times,” Funk said. “He would travel around stations and talk to guys on multiple shifts and just sit and talk and have a cup of coffee and just say ‘It’s okay to not be okay.’”

Funk said in Ashby’s 13 years with the department, his calm demeanor and his approachability were among the many reasons he became a close friend.

“We’ll miss him dearly and I feel really fortunate to have spent time with him on this earth while he was still here,” Funk said.

The department said details on a memorial service will be announced in the coming days.

Veteran Chaplain for C-U First Responders Passes Away at 73

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