Obit Re-do

Kalamazoo Resident Remembered as Navy Hero, Community Friend

By Rachel Dallman

KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Jeffrey Ahson, 79, a decorated war hero, died last night in Kalamazoo of emphysema complications.

"Ahson was a genuine American hero," stated Lt. Cmdr. of the U.S. Navy Jeraldine Fyfe. Ahson was the recipient of Purple Heart and Navy Cross for his bravery shown during World War II. As a petty officer on the USS Emery, he singlehandedly saved four wounded soldiers and the body of a fifth gunned down soldier during the Battle of Midway in 1942.  He returned to his post to take down three enemy planes, according to a statement released by the Naval Public Relations.

Born in Chico, Calif., Ahson moved to Kalamazoo in 1946 to become a firefighter and active community participant.  He enjoyed sharing his firefighting memorabilia with local elementary schools and was frequently seen ushering at John Calvin Presbyterian.  After retiring from firefighting in 1966, Ahson became a car salesman at Don Seelye Ford. He retired fully in 1985.

In addition to his history with the Navy, Ahson was a member of Elks Lodge and the National Checkers Association.  Ahson is survived by his wife, Therese Alpert, and his three children, Richard D of Philipsburg, Kan.; Angela Molino of Omaha, Neb.; and Lela Stalling of Pipe Creek, Texas.  He also leaves behind five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, as well as two sisters, Judith Eaker of Reidsville, N.C., and Shirley Solomon of Newark, N.J. Ahson's brother, Henry, is from San Francisco. 

A viewing will be held on Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and again from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Services will be held on Saturday morning, 10:00 a.m., at Littleton Mortuary.  A burial will immediately follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.