Asa J. Elsea, age 83, passed away peacefully at home on April 1, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Maxine (Barthelmas) Elsea; his brother, Thomas Elsea; and his brother-in-law, Robin Jones. Asa is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Mary Cumming Elsea; his son, Asa Jay Elsea (Amy); his daughter, Christine Lynn Hemming (Rodney); and his cherished grandchildren: Morgan Hemming Lloyd (Seth), Brandon Hemming, Braya Elsea, and Kaiya Elsea. He is also survived by his sister, Beverly Jones, and his sister-in-law, Frances Elsea Rhoads.
Born and raised in Circleville, Asa graduated from Circleville High School in 1959, where he excelled in athletics, being active in football, basketball, and baseball. His contributions to sports were recognized with his induction into the Circleville Athletic Hall of Fame.
Following high school, Asa attended Bowling Green State University from 1959 to 1963, where he played four years of football and was honored as an all-league place kicker in the Mid-America Conference. He was a proud member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, graduating with a degree in education.
After returning to Circleville in 1963, Asa began his career teaching and coaching at the Westfall School District, notably serving as the first football coach at Westfall High School. In 1965, he transitioned to the family business, Elsea Inc., where he eventually became President, C.E.O., and Chairman of the Board, it celebrated its 75th anniversary.
Asa was deeply committed to his community, holding leadership positions as President of the Circleville Jaycees, the Chamber of Commerce, and the High School Alumni Board, as well as serving on the board of the YMCA and the Pickaway County Airport Authority. He was an active member of the Pickaway Shrine Club, Scioto Commandry #35, and Blue Lodge Free Masons #23.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Asa had a passion for aviation and running. He began flying lessons at the age of 14 and soloed at 16, amassing over 4,000 flight hours throughout his lifetime. In his fifties, he took up running, completing 108 half marathons and four full marathons, along with numerous 5k races. Asa particularly enjoyed creating the Roundtown Classic Race for the Circleville Alumni Association, which, over its ten years, raised $100,000 for high school scholarships.
Asa’s generosity, dedication, and service to his community will leave a lasting legacy. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Visitation for Asa will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Community United Methodist Church on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, where the funeral service will commence at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Forest Cemetery, with a luncheon served at the church after the burial.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pickaway County YMCA, Community United Methodist Church in Circleville, or a charity of one’s choice. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to James and Heartland Hospice for the compassionate care provided to Asa. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellmanfuneralhomes.com.
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