Obituary Revision

Ahson Death/Kellner

NAVAL HERO DIES AT 79
By Jamie Kellner




KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Jeffrey Ahson died of emphysema last night in his home at the age of 79, said Lt. Commander Jeraldine Fyfe of the US Navy's public relations office.

Assigned to the U.S.S. Emery during World War II, Ahson was recognized by the Navy with a Purple Heart, Navy Cross, and a promotion to ensign for his heroic rescue of four crewmen, the recovery of another's body, and shooting down three enemy planes during the Battle of Midway in 1942. "Ahson was a genuine American hero," said Lt. Commander Fyfe.

Born in Chico, Calif. in 1928, he came to Kalamazoo in 1946 and joined the fire department, where he put his passion for fire fighting to good use until 1966 when he retired to become a car salesman. He was known around Kalamazoo for his collection of fire fighting memorabilia which he could often be seen taking to local elementary schools in a restored fire engine.

Mr. Ahson was involved in veteran's affairs, serving as commander of American Legion Post 702 as well as VFW Post 4206. He was also involved with the Elk's Lodge and Gideon's International as well as John Calvin Presbyterian Church, where he volunteered as an usher.

He is survived by his wife, Therese Alpert; three children, Richard Ahson of Phillipsburg, Kan.; Angela Molino of Omaha, Neb.; Leela Stalling of Pipecreek, Tex.; as well as a brother, two sisters, and five grandchildren.

Services for Mr. Ahson will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Memorial Park Cemetery. Viewings will be from 4 p.m. to 5:30 and 7:30 to 9 o'clock on Friday. The family requests no flowers.

--30--