Fred R Ashburn Jr

Fred R. Ashburn, Jr., 55, of Altoona, died Sunday at Altoona Regional Health Center, Altoona Hospital Campus. He was born in Altoona, a son of the late Fred R., Ashburn, Sr., and Marianna T. (Malone) Ashburn, who survives. Also surviving are two sisters, Diana Rickabaugh, of Altoona, and Patricia Tatsch, of Tipton; an uncle, David Malone, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews, and many cousins. Fred was preceded in death by his father and one brother, Daniel. He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Juniata. Fred graduated from Altoona High school in 1973, where he had been a tennis champion. He attended Penn State, Altoona, studying Human Development Education and Law Enforcement. He had participated in Junior ROTC where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and earned a medal for expert marksmanship. Fred earned scholarships in Altoona High School and was listed in "Who's Who Among American High School Students" in 1972 and 1973. Fred was an avid chess player and competed with Lubomir Kavalek, an International Grand Master in chess. He resigned on the 38th move, being one of the last three players to end the 32 player competition. Fred was the chess champion at Penn State, Altoona, in 1973-74. He was the founder of the Altoona Chess Club in 1974. Fred had been an Altoona Mirror carrier. He was also a member of the Buccinese Club. Fred was also a train buff. He collected many trains and railroad memorabilia which he shared with children at Christmas, giving away many train sets. He was also a collector of sports cards, antique toys and games, and books autographed by famous writers. Fred will be remembered for helping children get involved in sports by buying uniforms and equipment, and for paying tournament fees. At Christmas, he dressed as Santa Claus and bought gifts for underprivileged children. He sponsored "Fred's Gems" Teener Baseball Team, "Fred's Gems" AYSO Soccer Team, "Mountain Top" All-stars Baseball teams, and "Ashburn's Sports Cub" basketball teams for Altoona Area High School. Fred trained in Ishinru Karate and Tae-Kwon-Do, as well as Tang-Soo-Do, where he earned a Master Black Belt. He earned over 45 trophies and 130 citations in karate competitions. He used his training to demonstrate to senior citizens and children how to defend themselves against attackers. Fred was a friend of many famous people, including J. T. Wills, Jeff Speakman, Ho Sung Pak (of Raphael Ninja Turtles II), Bill Wallace, Joe Lewis, Leslie Gore, Michael Gross (of Hollywood), and Chief Split Cloud who made him an honorary member of the Iroquois Nation. When Chief Split Cloud died, the bear and eagle claws, that he had earned, and his turquoise jewelry were given to Fred. Fred was a great-great-grandson on his mother's side of Czar Alexander II, of Russia. Fred always had a smile and a handshake for everyone he met. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 30, 2009, at Mauk & Yates Funeral Home, Inc., Juniata. A Vigil for the Deceased will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home during the evening Viewing. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, July 31, 2009, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Juniata, by Rev. D. Timothy Grimme. Committal will be at Calvary Cemetery.