Asher Jacob Kahler

Asher Jacob Kahler (Also known as AJ), 83 of Laurel Hill, Florida passed away surrounded by his loving family on October 31, 2024 after a brief illness.

Asher was born on November 19, 1940 to Margaret and Oliver Kahler in Nazareth, PA. He was an accomplished athlete, singer, and active in student government. He actively served in the Boy Scouts of America and he earned the Eagle Scout Award in 1955. After he graduated from Nazareth Area High School in 1958, he went on to study at Lehigh University.

Asher joined the United States Air Force in 1962 and served with honor and distinction. He was a combat veteran and served as a navigator on the KC-135 Stratotanker and a Weapon System Operator/Fighter Navigator in the F-4 and RF-4 Phantom II. He received several commendations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross with 1 oak leaf cluster and the Air Medal with 16 oak leaf clusters for his actions. After his retirement from the United States Air Force as a Major at 20 years, he worked as an educator, dedicating his life to students at Laurel Hill School and Richbourg Junior High School as a math teacher. Asher was a beloved teacher and mentor touching the lives of countless students with his leadership and dedication.

He was a Master Mason of Whitfield Lodge #622 in Tatamy PA and a dual member of Laurel Hill Lodge #44 in Laurel Hill.

In 1998 Asher married Betsy in Nazareth, PA. they went on to have 26 lovingly dedicated years together. Asher retired for the second time and spent his time traveling and visiting friends all across the United States from South Dakota to Pennsylvania, Arizona and to  Florida, Asher made lasting friends everywhere he went.

Asher was preceded in death by his first wife Judy (d.1996) with whom he shared three children. He is survived by his current wife Betsy, his children : Oliver Kahler (Kathy), Alicia Kahler (Curtis), Allen Kahler, his sister Ann Donley (George), his two grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Asher’s favorite role was that as a grandparent and great grandparent. He treasured time with his grandkids and loved being their PapPap.

His memorial service is Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 11 am at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Laurel Hill Fl. Additional memorials in Nazareth PA and Laporte PA will be planned at a future date. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Parkinson’s Foundation (Parkinson.org), and organization Asher felt strongly about.

Asher will always be remembered  for his dry wit and the way that he picked on those he loved. We will miss him every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview. Guest book and condolences are available online at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com

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