Randall Ahrens
Randall Willard Ahrens, Born 7-4-1940 to Lydia Marie (Biere) Ahrens and Clarence Richard Ahrens. In Bland, Missouri.
Randy graduated High School in 1958 in Linn, Missouri and then went on to enlist in the US Air Force. Randy wanted to be a jet mechanic, but was better suited in the electronics field where he ended up in the Ground Radar field. He spent one year in Alaska at the Murphy Dome with the 774th AC&W Squadron north of Fairbanks and was promoted to Staff Sargeant. After leaving Alaska, he was then assigned to the Radar Operations and FAA Control Center outside of Winslow, AZ. While getting to know Winslow and its surroundings, he met his wife, Martha Lynne (Hosler) Ahrens in July 1961 and they were married on Jan 14, 1962 in Winslow, AZ. In Nov. 1962 they welcomed their son, James Richard Ahrens, to the world. After his birth, the Air Force took him to Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino, CA where he continued in Radar Electronics. On Nov 27, 1964 they welcomed their daughter, Nancy Lynne (Ahrens) Watson to the world. Randy left the Air Force in March 1966 and became employed with Pacific Telephone Co. in Yermo, California which began the rest of his career. In 1967 he was transferred to Baker, CA where he worked and played in the desert until October 1974 when he transferred to Winslow, AZ. He remained working for the phone company out of Winslow until his Retirement at the end of August 2001. After retirement was the final move to Strawberry, AZ where he has spent the last 24 years playing with Tractors like a Big Kid!!
Randy became a 3rd Degree Mason in December 1975 which began a long tie to the Masons, Shriners, and the Arizona Order of Eastern Star in Winslow and Payson, AZ. In 2016-2017, Randall became the Worthy Grand Patron of Eastern Star for the State of Arizona. He spent many years in preparation for this title. Randy and Martha travelled all over the State of AZ and the Country visiting other OES Chapters and making new friends everywhere they went. They did some travelling to Canada and some Cruises along the way.
Randy leaves behind a Daughter and Son in Law, Nancy (Ron) Watson of Strawberry, AZ and a Daughter in Love, Kelly (James)Ahrens of La Luz, NM. Five Amazing Grandkids who he loved so much and was very proud of; Tyler Watson and Wesley Watson, both of Mesa, AZ. Cody (Shayla) Watson of Flagstaff, AZ. Brent (Laura) Ahrens of La Luz, NM and Ashleigh Ahrens of Alamogordo, NM. And one Very Special Great Grandson, Theodore Harrison Watson of Flagstaff, AZ. He was so thrilled to become a Great Grandpa and thoroughly loved Theo’s visits and smiles.
Randy is preceded in death by his Wife (Martha) of 59 years, his Son James, one Sister, and three brothers.
Funeral arrangements were made by Messinger Funeral Home in Payson, AZ and Burial in the Pine Cemetery along with many family members, Pine AZ.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Shriners Children’s Hospital would be appreciated.
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Randall’s Fingerprint Session Code: 48MBN2XR