Wayne A. AHNER

SEAFORD - Wayne Arthur Ahner, 62, passed away suddenly on Thursday, April 29, 2010, at Mary Immaculate Hospital.
Wayne was born Feb. 14, 1948, in Hampton to the late Bill and Grace Ahner. He lived there until the love of his life moved him to the "country" in Seaford. Wayne was a 1969 graduate of Hampton High School and was so proud to be a part of the "Marching 100" as a Tuba player. He was a die-hard Crabber fan all his life.
Wayne was employed as a welder and safety inspector at Newport News Shipbuilding for 20 years. He continued his career in 1992 as an assistant manager for the East Coast Oil Convenience Store in Williamsburg for 12 years. Since 2004, he has enjoyed being retired, traveling and taking care of his family. He never missed a chance to go. His favorite place away from home was Dover Downs, where he enjoyed playing the penny slots.
Wayne was a loving husband, father, and friend to many. He was an avid sportsman, with bowling being his "heart and soul." He started bowling at an early age while working as a pin spotter at the old Wythe Lanes in Hampton. He joined his first league in 1969 at the former Circle Lanes and for the next 42 years, he bowled in at least one league a week, and sometimes more. He belonged to the Hampton Roads Men's Association, VA State Bowling Association, and the USBC National Association. He loved tournament bowling at all levels, and bowled in the ABC National Tournament for 25 years. He was a member of Paul and Linda's NABI Club for many years and competed in the local weekly events and NABI Nationals in Las Vegas.
Wayne loved all sports, but was partial to "Crabber Football" and York Basketball. He would travel far and wide to support these programs. His last big trip was to watch the York Girl's Basketball team play in the State Tournament in Richmond. If not at Hampton or York, he was watching some sport on TV at home.
Wayne was a former member of Moose Lodge #1119 of Newport News. He would play golf no matter the weather, with his Moose buddies. He even played on snow, with colored balls.
Wayne was a man of his word, and a loyal friend to many. He will be sorely missed by his family and those who have shared his ailments throughout the years. He fought a long and tough battle with many ailments.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Norma Johnson Ahner; son, Ashby Franklin Ahner of Seaford; brother, William Ahner and his wife, Kathy of Summerville, S.C.; aunt, Betty Eisenbach and her husband, Gerald of Walnutport, Pa.
A funeral service and celebration of Wayne's life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 3, 2010, in the chapel of Amory Funeral Home, Grafton. Interment will follow in Peninsula Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 2, in the funeral home, and the residence at other times.
The family requests that memorial donations be made to York County Fire & Rescue/ Life & Safety, P.O. Box 532, Yorktown, VA 23692; or to the American Diabetes Association, 1701 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.