Ferndale 'Voice of the Eagles' Joe Mahan Dies at Age 86

Ferndale resident Joe Mahan, known as the "Voice of the Eagles," died Tuesday at the age of 86.

Mahan was a longtime supporter of Ferndale Public Schools and served as the public address announcer for Ferndale athletic events since 1947.

He is survived by his wife Barbara, his children Mark, Peter and Tracey, and his eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 1-8 p.m. Thursday, March 21 at Wessels and Wilk Funeral Home, 23690 Woodward in Pleasant Ridge. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 22 at Wessels and Wilk.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association.

A 1944 graduate of Ferndale’s Lincoln High School, Mahan retired from the Detroit Public Schools in 1989 after a 38-year career as a teacher, counselor and principal.

Mahan also supervised Ferndale's summer baseball program for 25 years and served as a charter member of the Ferndale Sports Booster Club.

In 2002, he was honored by the Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association with their 2002 Distinguished Service Award. Mahan has been recognized twice on Ferndale High School’s Wall of Honor, and in 2005 the school's Hansen Stadium press box was named in his honor.

He and his wife Barbara have been renowned for their gardens and plantings beautifying the community near their home and in Geary Park.

In February, the Ferndale school board approved a resolution recognizing Mahan's 65 years of service, and the scoring table at the FHS gym was also named in his honor.

A ceremony was held for Mahan on Feb. 15, attended by his family, where retired FHS principal Herb Ivory, Superintendent Gary Meier, and FHS Athletic Director Shawn Butler each spoke about Mahan's years of service to the district and community.

The following comments were made in advance of the ceremony. You can read more tributes to Mahan at the PDF attached to this article.

Joe Mahan is synonymous with Ferndale Basketball. There is not an official, opposing coach or true fan who has not enjoyed a positive experience in their time with Joe. He and his wife Barb were incredibly selfless in their support for Ferndale High School and the athletic department. The legendary status that Joe has achieved is well-earned and he will never be forgotten as, “The Voice of the Eagles.” - Shaun Butler, District Athletic Director

We are so fortunate Joe and Barbara Mahan chose Ferndale to be their community. Not only has Joe been our legendary announcer, but with Barbara by his side, they have served our neighborhoods and our students for many years. It is fitting that after a life of creating unique opportunities to honor and recognize others, Joe is being honored in turn for his legacy by the Ferndale Schools. I personally extend my appreciation to Joe and Barbara Mahan for their service to students and our district. - Gary Meier, Ferndale Public Schools Superintendent

Source: Ferndale Public Schools.