Donald Glen Bahr went to be with the Lord on Friday, Oct. 30, 2015 from Health Central Hospital in Ocoee, Florida. He was 83.
He was born Feb. 3, 1932, in Mansfield to parents Glen & Zillah (Schindler) Bahr. After he was graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1950, he proudly served his country by joining the US Army. He was a member of the Army Band during the Korean Conflict and eventually retired from the Army in 1972 continuing in the reserves for a combined 42 years of service.
A young lady named Shirley Bowers caught his eye. The pair soon married on Jan. 1, 1955, and together they raised four children.
Don worked for Retail Credit, Patrons Mutual Insurance Co., and Shelby Insurance as an insurance adjuster for 37 years until he retired in 1995. Even after retirement he worked for Ace Hardware, the Comfort Inn, Quality Inn Courtyard Suite, and Enterprise. In his spare time he enjoyed golfing and building model ships.
A gifted musician, in addition to the Army Band, Don played the flute and piccolo in the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra and served as a choir director for many years at Grace Brethren Church in Lexington. He also sang with the FunCenter Chordsman and worked 20-plus years with the Lexington Music Boosters.
Along with his wife, Don loved to travel. He and Shirley enjoyed nine cruises and over eight bus trips together. No matter where he was, Don read his Bible every day.
Don was a faithful member of the New Life Church of Christ in Bellville. He was also a member of the American Legion Post # 535 of Bellville, the Gideons, the Pandora Dance Club, the Society of Claims Law Association, and was on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Fire Investigators.
Don was part of the Lexington Volunteer Fire Department and was the first volunteer fireman at MidOhio Sportscar Course. He also volunteered his time at the Mansfield Reformatory, MedCentral Hospital, and the Renaissance Theatre.
He is survived by his loving wife Shirley Bahr of Bellville; four children: Brad Bahr (fiancée Jane) of Spring Hill, Tennessee, Laura and Kevin Dearth, of Bellville, Linda Bahr, of Lexington, and Todd and Valerie Bahr, of Winter Garden, Florida; six grandchildren, Aaron Dearth, Amy and Kyle Babcock, Adam and Samantha Bahr, Alison and Michael Baldoni, Madison Bahr, and Joshua Bahr; seven great-grandchildren: Cheyanne, Mason, Lucas, Jay, Olivia, Vincent, and Ava; a sister, Joyann Koustenis, of Lexington; a brother-in-law: Stan and Bev Bowers, of Lexington; a sister-in-law, Marilyn and Ralph Clark of New Jersey; along with numerous extended family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by an infant brother Jack Duane Bahr, and two brothers-in-law, James Koustenis and Dave Duffey.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015 in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home (81 Mill Rd.), where a funeral service celebrating his life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday. Pastor Steve Kistler will officiate and burial will follow in Bellville Cemetery with military honors performed by American Legion Post #535 of Bellville.
Contributions in his memory to New Life Church of Christ may be made at or sent to the funeral home (P.O. Box 3085, Mansfield OH 44904).
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Don’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence to them — and watch his tribute video — at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
