William H. Kahn

1925 - 2018

William H. "Cobby" Kahn Sr., 92, Decatur, passed away Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, of natural causes at his residence. He was born in Decatur Saturday May 16, 1925, to the late Leo Jasper and Dora Lucinda (Smith) Kahn. He married Laura Opal Germann July 4, 1949, in Celina, Ohio; she preceded him in death March 23, 2006.
Cobby was honorably discharged after World War II from the U.S. Navy at the rank of Seaman First Class. He served in the Pacific Theater from 1943-45, being stationed on the USS Henderson for most of his time. He was a member of the American Legion Post 43 in Decatur.
He retired 30 years ago from State Line Auto Parts in Decatur. Cobby loved to play cards and board games and doing both with his family.
Among survivors are five sons, Robert L. (Jana) Shaffer of Geneva, William H. Kahn Jr. of Fort Wayne, Larry T. Kahn of Muncie, Jack Kahn of Decatur and Charles W. (Penny) Kahn Sr. of Monroe; daughter, Nancy (Alan) Colwell of Decatur; nine grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and his first great-great-grandchild is due in May.
He was preceded in death by three sons, Joseph Kahn, Terry Kahn and Greg Shaffer; two daughters, Diana Tewell and Helen Cooper; sister, Emma C. Shaffer; three brothers, George Kahn, Robert Kahn and Clarence Kahn; and two half-brothers, Roy Kahn and Eddie Kahn.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, with Rev. Eugene Martin officiating. Interment will follow in the Ray Cemetery in Monroe, with Military Graveside Services to be conducted by the American Legion Post 43 Color Guard of Decatur.
Visitation will be from 3-5 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, also at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to Riley Children's Hospital.