Navy Officer and Kalamazoo Resident Dies at 79.
by Colin King
KALAMAZOO, Mich.-- Jeffery R. Ahson, a decorated Navy officer, died in his home last night of complications involving emphysema. The 79-year-ld California native had lived in Kalamazoo for 62 years.
A Petty Officer on the USS Emory during the Battle of Midway in 1942, he dashed across the burning deck to rescue four injured comrades. He then took over as a gunner for the remainder of the battle, shooting down three enemy planes. For this he was awarded the Navy Cross, the Purple Heart, and a promotion to Navy Ensign. After his recent death, Jeraldine Fyfe, Lieutenant Commander and Naval PR Officer acknowledged, "Ahson was a genuine American hero."
The war hero became a local hero when he moved to Kalamazoo in 1946 and became a 20-year firefighter. After retirement he became a car salesman at Don Seeley Ford on Stadium Drive. He remained a firefighting enthusiast, restoring an antique fire truck that is now on display at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum.
Mr. Ahson was a member of the VFW post 4206, the American Legion post 702, the Elk's Lodge, the Checkers Association, Gideon's International, and was an unofficial usher at John Calvin Presbyterian.
Mr. Ahson leaves behind his wife Therese Alpert, three siblings: Henry Ahson of San Fransisco, Calif., Judith Eaker of Reidsville, N.C., and Shirley Solomon of Newark, N.J. Five grandchildren and five great grandchildren also survive him as well as his children Angela Molino of Omaha, Neb., Lela Stalling of Pike Creek, Texas, and Richard D. Ahson of Phillipsburg, Kan.
The burial will take place after the service at Memorial Park Cemetary. Services will be held at LIttleton Mortuary at 10 a.m. on Saturday following two viewings, from 4-5:30 and from 7:30-9 p.m. on Friday. The family requests no flowers.
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