Mr. Ashburn was born March 8, 1929, in New Orleans. He was a professor of mechanical engineering at Kansas State University at Salina for more than 20 years, retiring in 1996.

Survivors include his wife, Karyn, of Salina; a son, Michael of Salt Lake City; a daughter, Penny Ashburn of Florida; a stepson, David Perry of Houston; a stepdaughter, Susan Milholland of Hoisington; three grandchildren; and five stepgrandchildren.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina 67401. Burial will be in the Indian Hill Cemetery, Chapman.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Salina.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the mortuary, where the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m.