Friday, September 29th, 2023
Popular Marion Local science teacher, 54, remembered
By Abigail Miller
MARIA STEIN -The Marion Local Schools community is mourning the loss of longtime high school science teacher Todd Ashbaugh, 54, who died suddenly on Wednesday morning.
His cause of death has not been revealed.
Ashbaugh of Coldwater was in his 24th year as a chemistry and physics teacher and bus driver at Marion Local. He was also the district's former track and football coach.
Superintendent Mike Pohlman, who worked alongside Ashbaugh for 18 years, in a statement said Ashbaugh had a passion for education and loved his students.
"He brought so much joy to everyone he came in contact with," he wrote. "Just this past week I visited his class and he had the students explain to me what they were working on and created such a great learning environment."
In addition to Marion Local, Ashbaugh was also a Wright State University-Lake Campus adjunct professor and heavily involved with area organizations, according to his obituary.
Ashbaugh was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Coldwater and a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He served four years on the USS Badger in the U.S. Navy and was also a member of the Coldwater American Legion, Coldwater Eagles and the St. Anthony Dinner Theatre.
Many students, staff and community members attended a prayer service for Ashbaugh at St. Anthony Catholic Church on Wednesday evening, according to Pohlman.
Ashbaugh is survived by his wife of 22 years, Karen, and their daughters, Abby and Natalie.
"The loss of Todd leaves a void at Marion Local," Pohlman said. "But the impact he had on our district over the past 24 years will last forever."
School counselors and staff are available for any students that are grieving, he said.
Pohlman added that the district is working to line up substitutes for his classroom and bus route.
"He held many positions in the district, and it will take some time to fill that void," he said.
