INDIANAPOLIS - Gov. Mitch Daniels and Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, Indiana's adjutant general, have received notification that one of Indiana's most noted soldiers and civic leaders has passed.
Maj. Gen. Alfred F. Ahner 88, of Indianapolis died peacefully Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 21.
"From his days as a youth, Maj. Gen. Alfred Ahner devoted his life to making sure Hoosiers enjoy the freedoms they do today. He was a leader, patriot, and a humanitarian, and Indiana will always revere his memory," said Daniels.
The longest serving adjutant general in the history of Indiana, Ahner was appointed five terms to the state's highest military position by four different governors for a total of 15 years.
"It's hard for me to think of the loss," said Umbarger, "because more than any other soldier, leader, general officer, Maj. Gen. Ahner laid the foundation for today's Indiana National Guard. I can see his work reflected in each and every soldier and Airman who serves."
A life-long American Legionnaire, Ahner focused on patriotic and humanitarian pursuits. Particularly active with the Indianapolis Service Club, Ahner spent much of his retirement supporting the group's philanthropic efforts, including the raising of funds for the USS Indianapolis Memorial.
He served as state chairman of the Indiana Easter Seal Society for two years and was also instrumental in supporting and sustaining the USO in Indianapolis.
He also served as the state chairman for state government contributions to the United Fund, state chairman for Veterans Day Observance, two terms as the president of the Veterans Day Council and two terms as the president of the Adjutant General's Association.
Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Visitation:
Shirley Brothers Funeral Home
9900 Allisonville Road
Friday Sep. 24th - 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.