Veteran El Paso firefighter, World War 2 hero, dies at 92

El Paso has lost one of its greatest patriots and local leaders with the death of John Ehlers, who passed away last week at the age of 92.

John was just a teenager when he signed up for the navy and was sent to the south pacific to fight in World War Two.

“He was like 16 or 17,” said his daughter Nancy. “He lied about his age when he joined the service and after he got out, he really didn’t talk much about it.”

By the 1950s, John settled his new family in El Paso and began a distinguished fire fighting career. That career will be recognized and celebrated by the department during his funeral service.

John was also an athlete who became an unstoppable force in the local bowling scene during the 60’s, 70’s and was inducted into the El Paso Bowling Hall of Fame in 1993.

But more important than the trophies, John also won a reputation that had many local leaders seeking out his advice.

Now, after a life of service, John Ehlers will be laid to rest Friday morning at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.

The Ehlers family is also asking that in liue of flowers, any well wishers make their contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association instead.