Edwin "Pudden" Aston

Edwin "Pudden" Aston, age 84, of Norman, passed away on Friday, March 30, 2018. He was born on December 4, 1933, in Hot Springs, the son of Edwin Uriah Aston, Sr. and Jennie Mai Stephens Aston. In 1958, he was married to Shirley Ann Cox Aston. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Billy Hugh Aston. In the early 1960's, he took over his father's business, Aston's Grocery in Norman, and ran the store for two decades. To this day, he is appreciated for extending credit to many young families who were struggling to get by. In the late 1960's, he also served as Director of the Montgomery County Welfare Department. After leaving the store in the 1980's, he went to work for the Arkansas State Department of Labor, and later with the Department of Human Services in Mena. At the DHS, he was very dedicated to helping individuals transition from the welfare system to the work force. He valued the fellowship of the men at the Sunday morning bible study followed by that of the Barr Memorial Presbyterian Church in Norman. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Aston of Norman; three sons, Ronnie Aston of Leavenworth, Kan., Brian Aston and Forrest Aston, both of Norman; and five grandchildren. Cremation arrangements were under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Glenwood. Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.