Walter Edmund Ash, Jr. (III), 75, of Coldwater passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at his home while surrounded by family.

A memorial gathering of family and friends will take place on Monday, August 10, 2015 from 5:00 – 7:00 at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.

Walter was born September 14, 1939 to Walter and Charlotte (Frakes) Ash Jr. in Vicksburg. After graduation from high school, he continued his education at Kalamazoo College earning a Bachelor of Arts in Biology in 1961 before attending Yale School of Drama for a year. On June 2, 1963 he married the love of his life Lela Davis in Vicksburg.

Walter followed his love of theater by being a freelance theater director for his entire career. Walter directed over 100 plays in his lifetime and acted in many as well. He was a member of the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors, and the American Conifer Society. Walter was a founding member of the Festival Playhouse at Kalamazoo College. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Walter had a very curious mind with varied interests and loved the arts. He will be missed by many.

Mr. Ash is survived by his wife of 52 years Lela Ash of Coldwater; his children Sara Ash-Dameron of Cincinnati, OH, McKelin Ash of Bronson, and McCabe Ash of Ann Arbor; his step-sisters Gretchen Dresser of Sturgis and Gloria (Norman) Hawk of Rio Verde, AZ; his grandchildren Zoe Charlotte Ash and Evan Nicklas Ash both of Ann Arbor; and his cousin William (Judy) Frakes. He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-father Dr. Harold Meier; his step-mother Carolyn Ash; and his son-in-law Dean Dameron.

Memorials may be directed to Animal Aid of Branch County. www.dutcherfh.com