Eugene "Shorty" Ahlers, 91, of St. Marys, OH died 7:02 p.m. Sunday December 30, 2018 at the Grande Lake Health Care Center in St. Marys.

He was born October 1, 1927 in New Bremen, OH to Ferdinand and Bertha (Wietholter) Ahlers.

On July 19,1950 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Ft. Loramie, OH he married Edna M. Hilgefort, who survives.

Also survived by: son Larry (Linda) Ahlers of Roswell, GA; son Dale Gene (Joni) Ahlers of Celina; son Jeff (Julia) Ahlers of St. Marys, OH; son Rod (Penny) Ahlers of St. Marys, OH; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; sister Alberta "Bert" Loffer of St. Marys, OH; sister Deloris Rasor of Piqua, OH; sister-in-law Elsie Ahlers of New Bremen, OH.

Preceded in death by: parents Ferdinand and Bertha Ahlers; daughter Diane Sue Becher; daughter-in-law Kathy (Horn) Ahlers; brother Donald Ahlers; brother Richard Ahlers.

He was a veteran of the United States Navy, having served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre during World War II. He was employed as a driver for St. Marys Trucking Co. for many years.

His memberships included Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council #1592 (3rd degree), Teamster Union Local #908, American Legion Post #323 and was the last life member of VFW Post #9289. His favorite pastimes included golfing, spending winters in Florida and polka dancing.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin 10:30 a.m. Friday January 4, 2019 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, with the Rev. Barry Stechschulte, celebrant. Burial, with full graveside military rites, will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery in St. Marys.

Visitation 4-8 p.m. Thursday and 9:15 a.m.-10:15 a.m. Friday at the Miller Funeral Home 1605 Celina Road (Ohio 703 West Chapel) in St. Marys.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society.

Condolences may be expressed to his family via: www.millerfuneralhomes.net.