Kenneth Alexander McAshan

Kenneth Alexander McAshan passed away from complications of Parkinson’s Disease on September 29, 2021 in Houston, Texas, at age 72. Kenny was born on May 10, 1949, in Houston, Texas to Lillie Weir Franzheim Webb and Samuel Alexander McAshan. He was one of four children. Kenny’s family moved to New Orleans where he attended St. Martin’s Episcopal School for many years and graduated from Avon Old Farms School in Avon, Connecticut. Summers growing up were spent on Xalapa Farm, the family’s American thoroughbred horse breeding stable in Paris, Kentucky. Kenny took pleasure in working for Claiborne Farms in Kentucky; and, he developed a love of architecture from participating in the building of his mother’s home on Xalapa, the Buckner House. Kenny served in the United States Marine Corps and earned the rank of corporal before his honorable discharge in 1975. He returned to New Orleans and devoted much of his time to art, attending classes and having numerous shows at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts, where he eventually met and married Allison Crutcher McAshan, the mother of his children. Kenny then founded Simms Fine Art, an art gallery on Julia Street that represented international, national and regional artists, including Janet Fish, William Crowell, Jesus Moroles and Francis Pavy. He was also instrumental in having the artists speak to the public, and to students at Isidore Newman School. Kenny spent many decades developing his property, Jasmine Villa, on the British Virgin Island of Tortola, which was perched on a cliff overlooking Long Bay, and where his family enjoyed many holidays. Later in his life, Kenny completed his education by receiving his Bachelor in Fine Arts in Sculpture from Tulane University, and his Master of Fine Arts in Painting and Drawing at Louisiana State University. He also studied sculpture under Professor Jules Struppeck at Newcomb Art School. After earning his degrees, Kenny served as the Art Director at Archbishop Hannan High School and taught art at Lusher High School in New Orleans. While teaching at Hannan, he even brought a horse on campus for the art class to draw! Kenny took great pride in his service as the President of the St. Charles Avenue Association. During his tenure, he worked on restricting the commercialization of the Avenue and started the first fundraiser to combat the destructive Buck Moth caterpillar infestation of New Orleans’ beloved oak trees. Kenny showcased his art in countless exhibitions throughout his life and had a true passion for creating and showing his art and was an avid collector. In his later years, he moved to Santa Barbara, California where he enjoyed being a member of the Santa Barbara Newcomers Club, the lively art and food scene and his bachelor pad with killer Pacific Ocean views. His last two years were spent in Houston at the Villages of River Oaks to be closer to his children. More than anything, Kenny prided himself on being a father to four of his own children and a stepfather to two. He supported their school activities, sports and was active in coaching at Carrollton Boosters as well as at Metairie Playground. Kenny was kind, gentle and generous, starting from the time he was a young child, and throughout his life. He is survived by his three siblings: Celeste McAshan Neuman (Emler), Basi McAshan Carbine (Michael) and Michael Myrlin McCullar; four children: Samantha McAshan Derrett (Michael), William Alexander Crutcher McAshan (Britni), Kenneth Hudson Franzheim McAshan and Garner Tullis McAshan; two step daughters: Shannon Collins Alfonso (Robert) and Charlotte Collins Meade (John Alden); two grandchildren: Wesley and Charlotte Derrett; and five step grandchildren: Jack, Allison, Rogan, and Hunter Meade and Lizzie Alfonso. A very special thanks to The Villages of River Oaks for their loyal service and care for Mr. McAshan. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Memorial Service at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Ave., on Saturday, October 23, 2021. Visitation at 2:00 PM followed by a small service at 3:00 PM. Donations in lieu of flowers to The Houston Area Parkinson Society.