Press Conference - Ahson Obit

NAVY VETERAN DIES OF EMPHYSEMA
By Jessica R. Maas



KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Jeffrey R. Ahson, navy veteran, died last night at home from emphysema. He was 79.

Mr. Ahson served in World War II as a petty officer, during which he crossed a burning deck to remove four wounded soldiers in the 1942 Battle of Midway. Upon taking over the gunner’s position he shot down three enemy planes. Mr. Ahson was awarded the Purple Heart and Navy Cross when he returned home, and was promoted to the rank of ensign.

“He was a genuine American hero,” said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jeraldine Fyfe.

Born in Chico, Calif., Mr. Ahson was with the navy until 1946 when he moved to Kalamazoo to work was a firefighter. He retired from the job in 1966 and went to work as a car salesman at Seelye Ford until 1985. Known for collecting firefighter memorabilia, Mr. Ahson restored a 1924 fire truck, which is on permanent display at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum.

During his time in Kalamazoo, Mr. Ahson also served as the post commander of the
American Legion post 702 and VFW 4206.

Mr. Ahson was affiliated with the National Checkers Association, the Elks Lodge, and Gideons International. He was also a member of the John Calvin Presbyterian Church, where he worked as an usher.

Mr. Ahson is survived by his wife, Therese Alpert of Kalamazoo; three children; three siblings; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Services for Mr. Ahson will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the Littleton Mortuary, followed by the burial at Memorial Park Cemetary. The viewings will occur on Friday evening from 4-5:30 and 7:30-9. The family requests no flowers.