Franklin Bahn

Franklin Bahn, 91, Lt. Col. (ret.) Ohio Air National Guard, passed away July 19, 2024.  He was born to the late Ludwig “Louie” and Veronica “Ronnie” (Schneiders) Bahn in Sioux City, Iowa.  He was predeceased by his three younger siblings, Joann Headrick, Jeannette Strauss, and Gene Bahn, as well as his two sons, Brian and David Alan Bahn.  He is survived by his daughter, Loretta Bahn; his granddaughter, Bobbie Sue Bahn; two great-grandchildren, and two (soon to be three) great-great-grandchildren.

Frank graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.S. in Education in 1954.  He studied classical piano and organ music and played both instruments.  He also completed ROTC as a 2nd Lt. in the United States Air Force.  After marrying Phyllis Ater early in 1955, they embarked upon his pilot training at various air bases in Florida and Texas, after which he was assigned to the 301st Air Refueling Squadron in Louisiana.  Although Frank left the Air Force as a 1st Lt. when his enlistment period was up, he joined the Ohio Air National Guard 160th Air Refueling Group as a pilot and air technician in or around 1964, when he and Phyllis were divorced.

Frank flew KC-97 Stratofreighters and KC-135 Stratotankers, aircraft designed to refuel other aircraft in mid-air.  He was first stationed at Clinton County AFB in Wilmington, OH.  In 1971 he was transferred to Lockbourne AFB, which was renamed Rickenbacker AFB in May 1974.  He flew several missions to Rhein Main AFB in Germany.  His unit was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for service between 5 June 1967 and 10 May 1968, and a second Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for service between 11 May 1968 and 30 June 1975.  Frank received a personal citation as Safety Air Operations Officer to accompany the Air Force Commendation Medal for the period between 31 January 1962 and 31 December 1982, as well as a personal citation to accompany the award of the Ohio Commendation Medal for outstanding achievement as a Combat Ready crew member for service between 1 December 1980 to 30 November 1982.  Frank invested more than 38 years in military service to his country.

After he retired Frank enjoyed visiting family and friends in Ohio and Georgia, and working on his cars.

We would like to thank the Norwich Township Fire Department EMTs for their patience and professionalism, and the staff at Doctors Hospital for their heroic efforts to keep Frank safe and comfortable.  We also thank the staffs at Cotter House and National Church Residences for the care and comfort they provided to Frank and his family, with special thanks to Ms. J.M. of NCR for getting him the care he needed.

Visitation will be held at Egan-Ryan Funeral Home Northwest Chapel,  4661 Kenny Road, Columbus OH 43220 on Thursday July 25 from 9:00 - 11:00 am  Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 am at Our Mother of Sorrows Chapel on the grounds of St. Joseph Cemetery 6440 S. High St. Lockbourne, Ohio  Burial St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mid-Ohio Food Collective, P.O. Box 182883, Columbus OH 43218-2883, or to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).

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