Edward Oscar Esser

Edward Oscar Esser, 94, of Toledo, died Sunday, December 6, 2009, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Perrysburg. Born to Albert and Zelma Esser in 1915, Ed graduated from Libbey High School before enlisting in the US Army Air Force where he was a fighter pilot flying P-38 aircraft. He applied for Cadet Training one year before Pearl Harbor and graduated from Luke Field, AZ in the Class of 1942. He patrolled the coast of California flying out of Los Angeles for one month and then went to Africa being assigned to the First Fighter Group 94th Squadron. His skill was such that he earned the nickname Barron Von Esser from his fellow pilots. He was shot down over the Mediterranean Sea and was left floating in a Dinghy for days until he was captured and taken prisoner by the Germans. He spent two years as a POW in German Concentration Camps. Ed was recently honored for his service when he was named Guest of Honor at the 100th Anniversary of Flight Celebration at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. A plaque was also hung in the museum there recognizing him as one of the oldest living POW pilots. Upon returning from the war, Ed went to work for Treu House of Munch where he worked for many years, first as Sales Manager and then as Vice President of Sales. He retired after 43 years in 1989. Ed loved his family first and was very fond of his grandchildren. He was a gifted golfer, enjoying the game throughout his life. He was also a talented ballroom dancer, earning the nicknames The Silver Fox of Toledo and Fast Eddie. Always well groomed and well dressed, he was also known as Dresser Esser. Ed spent many winters in Sarasota, Florida, where he maintained a home. He loved the warm weather and the beaches. A fitness fanatic, Ed was known to pump iron through his life, eat healthy, and was proud to be able to live on his own until last August. Ed was a member of BPOE Elks #53, Toledo; Sylvania Pyramid Lodge #287, F Scottish Rite and the Zenobia Shrine. Ed is survived by his daughters, April Barrow Roger and Sally Esser; grandchildren, Eddie and Cypress Barrow and Blair, Britney, Jake and Jordon Moritz. He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Esser and sister, Selma Phillips. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 4 to 7 pm at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Avenue, a Masonic Service will take place at 6:30 pm and a Celebration of Eds life at 7 pm. Those planning a memorial gift in Eds memory are asked to consider the Toledo Area Humane Society, 1920 Indian Wood Circle, Maumee, OH 43537 or 32nd Degree Masonic Learning Centers for Children, Inc., 33 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA 02421. Eds family has a very special thank-you to all the angels on earth at Hospice for helping Jordon and Sally take care of Ed. Especially dear hospice nurse at home health care, Sallys friend, Jean. Please share a memory or condolence with the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com Quote from Ed: Smile, its cheap medicine