John Franklin Ahner

John was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth Show and Hurley Thomas Ahner, and is survived by his friend and companion Mary Moore Mitchell.

John was born June 1, 1945, in Wilmington, Delaware. He earned his bachelor of arts in 1967 and his doctorate of philosophy in 1972 from the University of Delaware. He was a Presidential Intern at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. from 1972 to 1973, and a temporary member of the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, from 1973 to 1974. John came to Vanderbilt in 1974 as an assistant professor and was promoted to associate professor and professor. He retired from Vanderbilt in 2020 after 46 years of dedicated service.

John was a faithful member of West End United Methodist Church for 50 years. He led The Quest Sunday morning book-reading group for 30 years. His commitment, his constancy, and his faith will be remembered with love.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at West End United Methodist Church in the Redd Hall on Friday, July 12, 2024 from 11:00am to 12:00am. The celebration of Life service will begin at 12:00am. Following the service, John's ashes will be interred into the West End United Methodist Church Columbarium. 2200 West End Avenue Nashville, Tn. 37203.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to West End United Methodist Church (2200 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203) or your favorite charity.