Harold Parker Ashenfelter

Harold Parker Ashenfelter

beloved husband, father, musician, and teacher died July 5, 2017. Hap was born January 23, 1929, in Donnelsville, Ohio, to Ray and Grace Wilbert Ashenfelter. Hap graduated from Olive Branch High School in 1947, from Wittenberg University in 1951 with a BS in Music Education, and from The Ohio State University with a Master’s Degree. Hap served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953 in Nuremberg, Germany, performing with the Army Band. Hap’s passion for music dominated his life, beginning with a band comprised of family and friends while he was still in high school. Soon he was playing professionally with bands led by Billy Burke and Eddie Kadel. Hap taught instrumental music for over forty years in Waynesville, Tecumseh and Springfield public schools and Wittenberg University. He maintained an active career as a professional musician, serving with the Springfield Symphony, The Kenley Players, The Ice Capades and Ringling Brothers Circus as well as many Broadway shows and small ensembles, including his own Generation Gap quartet and The Hal Parker Orchestra. Hap was the founding conductor of The Dayton Jazz Orchestra. Hap was preceded in death by his parents, sister Zoe (Claude) Moore, brothers Eugene (Peg) Ashenfelter, and John (Shirley) Ashenfelter, and an infant sister. He is survived by his wife Mary Ann (Monroe) Ashenfelter, sons Karl (Dena) Ashenfelter and David Ashenfelter, mother of his sons Nancy Ashenfelter, stepdaughters Deborah Craven and Cynthia Induni and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Visitation will be 1-3 PM Saturday, July 8, 2017, at the TROSTEL, CHAPMAN, DUNBAR FRALEY FUNERAL HOME in New Carlisle, with service following at 3 PM. Burial will follow at the Donnelsville Cemetery.