Charles E. Ashton was established as a small Joinery business in North Featherstone in 1954.  Eddie had served 7 years in the army and his ambition was to progress into becoming a Funeral Director and build a Chapel of Rest, at a time when Chapels of Rest were unheard of.

Over the next few years he achieved his ambition and built the Chapel of Rest at Glass Houghton.  In the meantime he married Iris, from Cutsyke and they ran the business from their home.  Their son Dean became a Partner and Alison, his wife, a former Legal Secretary manages the office.

They extended the premises in various stages, finally building an office overlooking the roundabout at Glass Houghton.  Throughout these years, Iris taught in schools in Castleford, finally becoming a Head Teacher in Pontefract and also helping in the family business.  They eventually built attractive premises in Pontefract, for which they received a Civic Award.

Dean and Alison have a daughter Charlotte and a son Mathew. Mathew is third generation who is now working full time in the family business.    They are a team of family members who have a good reputation for giving a traditional and personal service at all times.