Franklin Ashdown

Heaven got another great soul today, January 30, 2023.  It is with a sad heart that we said goodbye to our brother, Franklin D. Ashdown.  Frank was a medical doctor practicing in Alamogordo, New Mexico from 1971-2008.  He was also a well-known composer of organ and choral music with over 800 pieces published.  His works were performed all over the world including Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, The Tabernacle at Temple Square, Salt Lake City, St Paul's Cathedral in London and Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.  He was the organist at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Alamogordo, NM for many years as well as the choir director.

He was born in Logan, Utah on May 2, 1942 to Donald and Terry Ashdown the oldest of seven siblings.  He started playing the piano at an early age and was called to be the organist for his church at the age of 13.  He attended medical school at the University of Texas, Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas and did his residence in Salt Lake City.  He came to Holloman Air Force Base as a medical doctor in 1971 and fell in love with the area and decided to put out his shingle and start a medical practice in Alamogordo in 1973.  He loved his family, composing music, reading, and traveling.

He had an extended illness and battled with everything he had to the very end as he was still composing!  He was our hero and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by Kaye Soderquist (Kent) Logan; Christine Hamberlin (Mike) of Alamogordo, NM; Karen Schiffman (Lynn) of Ephraim, Utah; Tom Ashdown (Barbara) of Lubbock, Texas; Debbie Bowman (Robert) of Tijeras, NM; and Tess Wardle (Lynn) of Troy, Idaho; as well as 27 nieces and nephews and 101 great nieces and nephews!

Services will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 2:00 P.M., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1800 23rd Street, Alamogordo, NM 88310.  Burial Services will be at 3:00 P.M. at Monte Vista Cemetery.

The Ashdown family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Scenic Chapel to direct the funeral services.

To sign the online register book, please visit https://www.scenicchapel.com/.

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