A. Leon Cahn

    Graveside services for A. Leon Cahn will be held Thursday, at 3 p.m., at the Temple Beth Israel Cemetery, with Rabbi Klaven officiating. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    A. L. Cahn, 88, of Meridian, died Monday, Mar. 21, 2011. He was the son of Ruth Rosenbaum Cahn of Meridian, and Leon Cahn of Montgomery, Ala.

    He recently lost his dearest wife, Joan, of 54 years. He is survived by his loving children: Melanie and her husband Will Dann of Portland, Ore., and Lee and his wife Susan of Chicago, Ill.; his four grandchildren: Naomi and Julian Dann, Allison and Ascher Cahn. He is also survived by his cousin, Barbaree Rosenbaum Heaster of Meridian.

    After graduating from Washington and Lee University, A. L. proudly served his country successfully in the Field Artillery of the U.S. Army in France and Germany during World War II. He returned to Meridian after working several years in Houston and Washington D.C. From 1952 until 1987, he and James Skelton operated Family Budget Service, a successful consumer finance business. He also actively pursued real estate and business investment interests.

    A. L.’s family had deep roots in Meridian and Mississippi going back many generations. As a loyal and dedicated citizen of the city of Meridian and Lauderdale County, he proudly enjoyed serving his community on the Board of Directors of the Choctaw Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Navy League, Meridian Downtown Optimist Club, Meridian Symphony Association and other civic organizations. Serving as president of Temple Beth Israel and always active on the Board of Trustees, he continued a family commitment to his congregation, serving through both good and challenging times.

    As much as he enjoyed chairing civic projects and participating in congregational life, his treasure was his wife, Joan, and their children, Melanie and Lee. Nothing was more important than time with his family. As their children grew, A. L. and Joan supported them in gaining independence and following their interests. A.L.’s life was enriched as spouses and children expanded his family, and he took every opportunity to encourage their interests and to enjoy their accomplishments. For many wonderful years, Joan and A.L. enjoyed traveling to see and learn about natural wonders and historic places around the world as well as visiting cities wherever Lee and Melanie lived around the country.

    Honorary pallbearers will be Alex Loeb, Richard Wilbourn III, Harold Meyer, Edgar Morrison, Lewis Rosenfeld, Marty Davidson, Winston Cameron, Harold Heaster, Donald Adler and Alfred Rosenbaum.

    Memorial contributions in A. L.’s name would be welcome to the Temple Beth Israel Cemetery and the Choctaw Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

    Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com.