Ervin E Ast age 97, departed on his final flight on February 3, 2020. A World War II veteran aviator, he died peacefully surrounded by family members. He was preceded in death by both his wives Marion and Peggy; dear grandson Joseph Nicolas Grey-Lughod; mother Marie (Rutsch) Ast; father William Ast; brothers, William Ast, Harold Ast and Harry Ast and sisters Adeline VanLoo and Helen Richter. Ervin is survived by his dear sister Marty Pfohl, niece Patricia Powers, great nephew Michael, and brother Norman Ast. He is also survived by Peggy’s family; Jeffrey and Maureen Grey and Mary Beth and Javad Abu-Lughod; grandchildren, JB & Stacy Grey, Daniel & Sarah Grey , Joey and Jessica Grey, Zhouli and Tomas Perez, David Grey-Lughod and Willow Grey-Lughod; great grandchildren; Nolan, Nora, Anna, Jack, Mary, Olivia, and Cameron. He loved them all and concludes a life that has the makings of a great American novel. From a farm in St. Joseph Michigan, he enlisted in WW II at the age of 16 with his parents present to give permission. He was trained in California, becoming a flight engineer, flying dozens of missions over the Pacific. After the war he began a career in aeronautical engineering at Rockwell, Northrop and North American. He spent many happy years, with his first wife Marion, in Southern California. After her death in 1980, he returned to Michigan and met the second love of his life, Peggy Grey. He instantly embraced the role of Father and Grandfather, and over the years mentored and contributed to our family with unbounded generosity and unconditional love. We will deeply miss This Great Generational Man. A Memorial service will be held Saturday, February 8 at 12:00PM at St Anns Home, 2161 Leonard Street NW, Grand Rapids with visitation one hour prior, Rev. Robert Appold officiating. Interment Fort Custer Cemetery, Augusta, MI. Gifts in his honor can be made to The Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan, 349 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, 49503.
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Sorry we can’t be with you on Saturday. We are thankful for the love and care you gave Erv during his illness.
We have made a donation in Erv’s honor to the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan.