A cherished member of the University of Iowa College of Engineering community who was among 30 members and four generations of the Ashton family to attend Iowa over a 90-year span died on Sunday following injuries sustained in a car crash.

William “Bill” David Ashton, 84, leaves behind a legacy of leadership in engineering and giving back to his community both at home and at the University of Iowa. His and his family name is recognized on facilities, awards, and endowed professorships.

“We at the University of Iowa College of Engineering are deeply saddened by the news of Bill Ashton’s passing,” said Ann McKenna, dean of the College of Engineering. “Bill remained a fixture of the university and college long after he graduated. We are forever grateful for his leadership in philanthropy as well as modeling how an engineer can positively impact the world.”

The life-long Davenport resident, son of Frank and Edna (Wessels) Ashton, followed in his father’s and uncles’ footsteps to Iowa, earning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1962 followed by a master’s degree in 1963. His brothers Jim and George would also earn degrees from Iowa Engineering.

In 2021, Bill Ashton reflected upon his time at Iowa, citing the “unique and close relationship between students and faculty, staff, and administrators,” an outstanding technical education, and engineering ethics. 

“Their emphasis on quality and ethics had a lasting impact on my professional career in design and public works,” Ashton once said.

Ashton made the most of his time at Iowa. He helped design several corn monuments and ran track and cross country.

The former U.S Army Ranger and combat engineer officer would work at the U.S Army Corps of Engineers after graduation and eventually began Ashton Engineering, Inc., which took on projects across Iowa and the globe, including the iconic High Trestle Trail Bridge in Madrid, Iowa. Up until his death, Ashton would continue to lend his passion for engineering and problem solving professionally and in volunteer capacities.

Throughout his career, he always kept the University of Iowa close to his heart.

He and his brother Jim helped create the Ashton Cross Country Course in honor of their coach, Francis Cretzmeyer, and Ashton Prairie in Iowa City. The support of Bill Ashton and his brothers also led to the creation of three named professorships in the College of Engineering – the William D. Ashton Professorship in Civil Engineering, the George D. Ashton Professorship in Hydroscience and Engineering, and the James E. Ashton Professorship in Engineering.

Bill Ashton was inducted into Iowa’s Distinguished Engineering Alumni Academy in 2008, and the University recognized the entire Ashton family for its dedication and philanthropy with the Family Spirit Award in 2022.

David Cwiertny, a civil and environmental engineering professor who holds the William D. Ashton Professorship, said he recognized Ashton’s love of family and the University of Iowa.

“In our conversations, he was most interested in our students and always excited to hear about new topics we were teaching them in the college,” Cwiertny said. “Personally, his generosity through the Ashton Professorship has meant so much to me, enabling important research, student training, and community engagement activities across Iowa. He will be sorely missed, but his legacy and impact on the college are deep and long lasting.”

Ashton leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Ann (Milligan) Ashton, brother Jim, daughters Susan (Todd) McCloy, Patricia (Erik) Rolfstad, and his son Steven (Claudia) Ashton, nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, David Ashton, David’s wife Kay (Eckerle) Ashton, and his brother George.

Refer to Ashton’s obituary for information about services and memorial donations.