Ned Evans Ackner, Colonel, Ret., US Army, Passed away March 21, age 92 years. Beloved husband of the late LaVera Stiens Ackner, loving Father of David (Nancy) and James (Jean) Ackner. Dear brother of Ellen Virginia Ackner. Devoted grandfather to Kris, Evan and Stephanie (Ho Shue) Ackner, and uncle and grand uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was born in Zanesville, OH, and raised there and in Columbus, Ohio. He received a degree in Commercial Engineering from the University of Cincinnati in 1936, where he met and married fellow student and graduate LaVera Elizabeth Stiens. Upon graduation he accepted a reserve commission of Lieutenant in the US Army, active commission in 1941, which became his career until retirement in 1969. Several assignments to the Armed Forces Staff College obtained Graduate Level degrees in International Military and Political Affairs, Artillery and Defensive Missile Weapons Systems, and Nuclear and Atomic Warheads and Weaponry. Tours of duty included service as a Combat Arms and Artillery Officer in the Phillipines and Japan in WW II, rebuilding in post war Germany and 2 years in the Korean Conflict. In 1955, he became Professor of Military Science for ROTC at Penn State University. In 1958, he was assigned to employ the Army Nike Missile Defense System, serving as the first Battalion commander for the San Francisico Area Missile Defense System, and Commanding Officer for the Cincinnati-Cleveland Nike Air Defense System . In 1960, Colonel Ackner served in Paris, France, as Chief of Surface to Air Missiles, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers in Europe (SHAPE), to establish and deploy a Missile Defense Capability for Europe and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). He finished his military career in1969 as Chief of Staff for a 75 installation Missile Command in 9 Eastern States. His recognition and campaign ribbons for wartime duty and general service include the Legion of Merit and the Army Commendation Medals. Col. Ackner enjoyed a second career as Office Manager for CINTAS from 1972 to 1978. Among his interests were golf, gadgeteering, sports cars, tennis and racquetball. He won a Gold Medal in racquetball in the Senior Olympics at 82 years of age. He has been a volunteer over the years for Boy Scouts, the American Legion, Church and civic groups. Visitation will be on March 27 from 9:30 to 10:30 at All Saints Church, with a Funeral Mass at 10:30. Burial with Military Honor Guard will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Donations may be made in Colonel Ackner's name to Hospice of Cincinnati or St. Rita School for the Deaf.

Service

Tuesday, March 27, 2007 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM All Saints Catholic Church 8939 Montgomery Road Cincinnati 45236, United States

Service

Tuesday, March 27, 2007 10:30 AM All Saints Catholic Church 8939 Montgomery Road Cincinnati 45236, United States