Charles Edwin "Jungle Pop" Ashley

DeRidder - Charles Edwin Ashley, a lifelong resident of DeRidder, Louisiana—and a citizen of the world—set sail on his final journey on January 18, 2025, in Lafayette, Louisiana. Born in Leesville, Louisiana, Charles lived a life few could imagine, filled with adventure, discovery, and a boundless curiosity about the world and its people. A pioneer in deep-sea saturation diving, his career took him to the farthest reaches of the globe, unlocking experiences that shaped his soul and expanded his understanding of life beyond borders. Of all the places he roamed, his heart found its deepest connection to Central and South America. He spent much of his life immersed in cultures far from the beaten path—often living among the Miskito Indians, venturing into untouched jungles, and chronicling his journeys in written reflections that became treasured stories for his family. To his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, he was not just a father and grandfather—he was "Jungle Pop" - a storyteller, an explorer, and a man who lived life on his own terms. Charles leaves behind a family who adored him and will carry forward his love for adventure and knowledge. He is survived by his daughters: Sharla Aloisio (Gordon) of Youngsville, Louisiana, and Deanna Ashley (Aaron Eyster) of Mobile Alabama; his son-in-law: Steve Hebert (Nan) of Navarre Florida; his grandchildren: Kylie Todaro (Dustin), Jordan Templet (Sarah), Allison Hebert Buffington (Drew), Jacob Hebert (Marissa), and Aiden Eyster; his great-grandchildren: Jack Elias Hebert-Buffington, Oliver Charles Buffington, and Stella Wren Todaro; as well as his sister: Delores Ferguson (Ralph) of DeRidder, Louisiana. He is reunited in eternity with his beloved daughter, Nanita "Nan" Hebert, and his parents, Daisy Smith and Adrian Ashley. In lieu of flowers, Charles had one simple request: save your money, read a historical book, and travel beyond your own continent to understand the richness of humanity. His was a life well-lived—a journey well-traveled. His stories will live on, woven into the hearts of those who loved him. Per his wishes, there will be no formal funeral. Instead, his family and closest friends will gather by the sea to celebrate his extraordinary life in the way he would have wanted—under an open sky, near the water that called to him throughout his days. Arrangements have been entrusted to Cypress Funeral Home & Crematory, 206 W. Lafayette St., Maurice, LA 70555.

Charles Edwin "Jungle Pop" Ashley

March 23, 1938 - January 18, 2025