Ernie Zahn

Ernest "Ernie" Edmund Zahn, age 76, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, formerly of Paola, Kansas, passed away on April 22, 2016 with his family by his side at Kansas City Hospice House, Kansas City, Missouri. Ernie was born February 1, 1940 at Kansas City, Missouri. He was the third of five children born to Frank and Fannie (Abell) Zahn. He attended school in Kansas City, Missouri. Ernie served his country with the United States Navy. He entered the Navy on February 27, 1957 and was honorably discharged January 27, 1961. He was stationed in Long Beach, California serving aboard the USS Bremerton 130. Ernie and Beulah "Bea" Schlagle were married on December 18, 1957 at Kansas City, Missouri. They made their home in California while Ernie was in the Navy. After his Navy stint, they moved to Martin City, Missouri. They became the parents of three children Steve, Diane, and Jim. They moved to Paola in 1970. Ernie was self-employed as a construction contractor. He built many homes in Miami County, building the first earth contact home in Miami County. He also was a contractor for Southwestern Bell. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Jack Higgins, and a sister Dorothy Morris. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Bea; his children Steve (Angie) Zahn, Diane (Curtis) Fountain, and Jim Zahn all of Pleasant Hill, MO; 7 grandchildren Steffany (Josh) Madden, Shelby & Allie Zahn, Nicholas, Erin, & Courtney Fountain, and Sophia Zahn; 3 great grandchildren Jayden and Sayge Madden and Mackenzie Fountain; his siblings Frank Zahn of Vancouver, WA, Henry Zahn (Tina) of Tulsa, OK, Jim Zahn (Linda) of Paola, and Sharon Attebery of Paola; many other relatives and friends. Contributions in memory of Ernie can be made to Kansas City Hospice House or Alzheimer's Association and sent in care of the funeral home. To leave a special message for Ernie's family, click the "Share Memories" tab above.