Charles E. Zahn, Command, Master Chief Petty officer, U.S. Navy (retired) passed away Wednesday, April 8, 2015, in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Charlie was born Oct. 6, 1948, in Parsons, the son of Edward B. Zahn and Eunice M. (Lefebvre) Zahn. He attended Iola schools graduating from Iola High School where he played both offense and defense for the Mustangs football team.
He was baptized at First Christian Church. Charlie graduated from Allen Community College, attended Emporia State University, and graduated from the U.S. Navy Nuclear Propulsion School and Submarine School.
He served in Vietnam and Desert Storm. During his distinguished 21-year career he saw duty on six submarines, including ballistic and cruise missile submarines as well as fast attack vessels. He also served upon two surface ships. Additionally, he was a nuclear power instructor and Submarine Squadron 15 Representative at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Among his achievements were: Good Conduct Award (5), Navy Achievement medal (3), National Defense Service medal (2), Sea Service Deployment ribbon (5), Navy Commendation medal, Letter of Commendation (2), Vietnam Service medal, Navy Expeditionary medal (2), Navy “E,” Armed Forces Expeditionary medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Southwest Asia Service medal, Expert Rifle and Expert Pistol.
He was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled Veterans of America.
In retirement he was active in many civic organizations working to maintain strong communities in Hawaii. Most recently he was president of the Puu Palehua Homeowners Association and served on the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Council of Community Associations.
Although he sailed the world, his military records always listed Iola as his permanent home. His greatest achievements were his marriage of 41 years and his patriotic service to his country.
Charlie is survived by his wife Jackie (Price); brother Richard, Arizona; brother-in-law Warren Price, Emporia, and sister-in-law Ann of Topeka, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Internment will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, with full military honors. Memorials are suggested to Wounded Warriors Project or Allen County Animal Rescue Facility (ACARF).
“Above, on or below the sea you were the best. May you always have calm seas and prevailing winds.”
Charles Zahn
