JOSEPH J. ASHTON, 61 Began career in broadcasting in 1960s

YOUNGSTOWN -- Services will be at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday at Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Road, Toledo, for Joseph J. Ashton, 61, of South Toledo, formerly of Youngstown, who died Saturday at home.
Mr. Ashton was born June 18, 1939, in Youngstown, a son of Paul V. and Mary O'Neil Ashton.
He graduated in 1957 from Ursuline High School, attended Ohio University studying art and speech, and served in the Army two years as a broadcast specialist.
His professional broadcasting career began at WKBN-TV in Youngstown in the early 1960s. He moved to Toledo in 1965 and in 1966 joined WTOL-TV Channel 11 as a weather reporter and staff announcer. He was host of the "Dialing for Dollars" segment of "The Big Show" and retired in 1983 as director of community relations.
He was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Toledo and its Holy Name Society and was an adviser for Explorer Scout Post 11 at the church. He had also been active in the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Youngstown Community Theater and Toledo Press Club.
He was a dog trainer who won trophies and ribbons in competitions, taught classes in stained-glass craftsmanship, and had been president of the Toledo Chapter of Mended Hearts.
He leaves his wife of 34 years, the former Paula Deatrick; two daughters, Rachel Watson and Sara Crosby, both of Toledo; two sisters, Mona Colombero and Margaret Riddle, both in California; and two grandchildren.
A brother, Paul, is deceased.
Friends may call from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home,
Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church Endowment Fund.
4/17/01