Wallace Asbury

Wallace Brice Asbury was born June 2, 1923, in Vandalia, Missouri, to James & Elizabeth Brice Asbury.  Upon graduation from high school, Asbury worked at the Curtiss-Wright airplane factory in St. Louis.

In 1943, Asbury was inducted into the U.S. Army, where he would remain for about two years, participating in the Normandy, Southern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe campaigns.  He returned to the U.S. on September 16, 1945.

Within a year of his return, Asbury accepted a job with the Travelers Insurance Corporation in Peoria.

It was at Traverlers where Asbury would find his bride.  He married Beverly Thomas, a Washington girl, on September 4, 1949, in Peoria.  Upon their marriage, they moved to Washington together.

In 1963, Asbury ran unopposed for Alderman in Ward 3, beginning his tenure in city government.

Upon the death of Mayor John Blumenshine, Asbury was appointed interim Mayor to replace Blumenshine to complete the term.  Asbury was defeated by Robert Hult in his bid for re-election in 1969.

Some of the issues Asbury tackled during his three-year term include the fear of losing Washington Square, the relocation of City Hall to Jefferson Street, multiple annexations, and the persistent headache of Neptune Swim Club's desire for a liquor license. 

In 1975, Wallace & Dorothy were honored dignitaries at Washington's Sesquicentennial Parade along with other former mayors and their wives, alongside grand marshals Frances Whittaker and Fred Sweitzer.

Sadly, Wallace left us too soon on February 15, 1979, at the young age of 55 after a long illness.  He is buried in Glendale Cemetery.