Jeffrey Ahson, Local WWII Navy Hero, Dies

By John Flemming

KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Jeffrey Ahson, a WWII Navy hero and California native, died from complications of emphysema last night. He was 79.

Mr. Ahson, a petty officer aboard the USS Emery during the Battle of Midway in June of 1942, earned a Purple Heart and Navy Cross after saving four of his fellow sailors and retrieving the body of a dead gunner. He was also credited for shooting down three enemy planes.

Born in Chico, Calif., Mr. Ahson moved to Kalamazoo in 1946 where he served as a firegighter until 1966. He then worked at Don Seely's Ford Auto Dealer. Mr. Ahson was a member of the local Elk's Lodge chapter, the American Legion Post 702 and a member of Giddeon's International. He was also recognized as the usher at John Calvin Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Ahson was also known for his collection of firefighter paraphernalia, which included a fully restored 1942 fire truck. He often showcased his fire truck and other collectibles at local elementary schools.

He is survived by his wife, Therese Alpert of Kalamazoo, his three children; Richard D. Ahson of Phillipsburg, Kan.; Angela Molino of Omaha, Neb.; Lela Stalling of Pipe Creek, Texas; his brother, Henry Ahson of San Francisco; his sisters Judith Eaker of Reidsville, N.C. and Shirley Solomon of Newark, N.J. He is also survived by five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

There will be a viewing this Friday at the Littleton Mortuary from 4 to 5:30 p.m and 7:30 to p.m. He will be buried at the Memorial Park Cemetery following the funeral services at 10 a.m. Saturday. The family requests no flowers.

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