Roll Call Tribute

Edwin John "Ed" Ahrens, Jr. 

May 3, 1941 - October 3, 2024 

Beloved husband, father and grandfather, Ed Ahrens, Jr., 83, of Fairhope, AL, peacefully entered his heavenly home on October 3, 2024.

Ed was born in New York on May 3, 1941, to Edwin John Ahrens and Helen Mosley Ahrens. The family resided in Manhasset, NY and then Flushing, NY, where Ed and his sister Donna enjoyed sailing their boat off the Long Island coast. During his childhood Ed loved spending summers with his Aunt Eloise in Texas, riding horses and working on her ranch. Just before Ed’s senior year in high school, the family moved to Miami, FL. Ed returned to The Lone Star State to attend Texas A&M University, where he played football and excelled as a student. Ed eventually transferred to Mississippi College and met a beautiful young lady by the name of Anne Hunt, whom he married soon after their graduation.

Ed was a proud and decorated Marine. He served in Vietnam where he piloted over 130 missions in the F4 Phantom. Ed loved his time in the service and stayed close to the other members of his squadron throughout his life.

After his military service (and brief stops in Jackson, MS, San Antonio, TX, and Pensacola, FL), he and Anne settled and made their home in Mobile, AL. They were blessed with sons Timothy Hunt Ahrens, born in 1969, and William Brand Ahrens, in 1972. Ed was a devoted father to Hunt and Will, creating a home full of love and faith. Ed had a long and successful career as a partner at McNeil, Jackson & Ahrens Financial. He was active in the community, as well as Dauphin Way Baptist Church, where Ed served as a deacon and chaired numerous committees. Golf, fishing, and flying were Ed’s favorite activities, especially when friends and family were involved. Those who were lucky enough to participate in those out activities with him still cherish those memories. Ed took great pride in his boys and their accomplishments. Later in life he especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.

After 51 years of marriage, Anne went to be with the Lord, following a stroke and years long battle with Alzheimer’s. Ed found solace and support with family and close friends, many of whom had retired across the bay. He soon joined them in Fairhope, where golf courses were abundant, and retirement allowed for more time on the water. Through friends at Fairhope First Baptist Church, Ed eventually met the lovely Wanda Ogletree who had also lost her spouse. They enjoyed spending time together and eventually married. Ed loved Wanda’s two adult children (Kim and Wade) and their families as his own. The couple enjoyed golfing together, and they loved to travel. They visited more places (in and outside of the US) during their years together than many people do in a lifetime. Ed and Wanda were members of First Fairhope Church’s Friendship class, and they truly loved their church family.

Throughout Ed’s life, Christ was always the centerpiece. While he enjoyed many accomplishments, the hallmark of his character was a devotion to his Savior. Ed was well-respected, gentle, kind, and always helping others. His joy came from his family and dedicating his time, talents and treasure for the glory of God’s Kingdom. Ed was a giant among men and will be missed by all.

Ed is survived by his loving wife Wanda Ahrens, his son William Brand Ahrens, and grandsons John William and Leighton Brand Ahrens. He is also survived by Missy Doss Ahrens and Noah; Kim Ogletree, Wade (Clara) Ogletree, and Christiana Ogletree.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Donna Ahrens Chris, Brother Tim Ahrens, wife Anne Hunt Ahrens, sons Edwin John Ahrens III and Timothy Hunt Ahrens.

The family wishes to thank those who have prayed for Ed throughout his illness over the last 4-5 years and the caregivers at the William F. Green VA Home.

Ed’s Celebration of Life will be at the First Baptist Fairhope Church at 2pm on October 25th.
Memorial gifts honoring Ed may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011.