Edward Gottlieb Zahler

Edward G. Zahler, 93, of Atlanta passed away October 8, 2007. He was born in Theresa, New York on March 10, 1914, the first of eight children, to Swiss immigrants Gottlieb and Ida Zahler. When he graduated from Antwerp, NY High School in 1923, his parents awarded him with his first airplane ride. Soon after he tried to enlist in the Air Force, but was told he needed a college degree. He spent the next few years getting degrees from NY School of Agriculture and the Mechanics Institute. When Hitler invaded Poland in 1939, Ed was making PT boat engines for the British Navy at Sterling Engine Company. After Pearl Harbor, he and his brother enlisted in the Air Force. Ed went to basic training in Atlantic City, to North Carolina for a course in airplane mechanics, and then to Barksdale Field in LA. After 2 months he was transferred to Hunter Field in Savannah, GA. During a stopover at Phillips Restaurant in Atlanta, Ed's life changed forever when his waitress showed him a picture of her daughter, Johnnie. He just had to get Johnnie's address. As part of the 85th Airborne Squadron, Ed served in the Pacific Theatre for almost two years. Throughout his time in Australia, New Guinea, the Philippines and Ie Shima, he and Johnnie fell in love through the mail. After returning to the States, he and Johnnie married on February 2, 1946. They had three children. He worked for Artistic Ornamental Iron Company for more that 30 years; was a member of the Georgia Chapter of the 8th Air Force; and was a member of Hillcrest Church of Christ. Those who knew him commonly refer to Ed as humble, strong, gentle and loving. He was a good neighbor and a good friend. Ed is survived by Johnnie, his wife of 61 years; children, Edward and his wife, Lenora; Donnie and his wife Joan, and Jeanette; three grandchildren, Tom, Andrea, and Whitney. Also surviving are siblings, Andy, Alice, and Helen, all of New York, and Lillian of Maryland. Funeral services will be held in the chapel of A.S. Tuner & Sons at 2:00 pm Friday, October 12, 2007. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Georgia AGAPE, 3094 Mercer University Dr.; Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30341. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 pm Thursday at A.S. Turner & Sons.