David C. Bahrs

David C. Bahrs, 85, of Toledo, Ohio, died after a long illness on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Ohio Living Swan Creek Health Center. Born in Toledo on July 21, 1941, to Ella and Fred C. Bahrs, he graduated from Macomber Vocational High School in June 1959 and later attended Bowling Green State University. In 1977, he married Susan (Pugh) Bahrs. Before retiring, David owned the National Furniture Store, David Bahrs Furniture and Antiques, and National Bunk Beds. A frequent participant in mall shows, he became known as the "chair king" for his collection of oak pressed-back chairs David served in the National Guard from November 1963 to July 1969. Following the Palm Sunday tornado in April 1965, he was called to active duty in Point Place, where he witnessed both the devastation and loss of life and the generosity extended to survivors. He was a member of Monroe Street Methodist Church in Toledo, Springville United Methodist Church in Onsted, Michigan, the Toledo Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, Anglers of the Au Sable River in Michigan, Sports Car Club of America, and the Oakland County Sportsman Club at Waterford Hills, Michigan, where he raced and served as a race car instructor. During his racing career he competed in Triumphs, Corvettes, open-wheel formula V's, and-stock cars, including the Bilstein Rabbit series. He raced at many tracks including Road America, Indianapolis speedway, Charlotte International Speedway, Mossport Park in Canada, Mid-Ohio, Road Atlanta, and Waterford Hills. David also enjoyed card games with family and friends from Euchre to Texas Hold'em. In later years, he played poker twice a month and became known as ''Uncle Dave" after his nephew Mark introduced him to the poker crew as his uncle. His favorite phrase was "all in." David had a wonderful sense of humor. Whenever someone asked, "How are you?" he replied, "FANtastic," even when his body suggested otherwise. He hosted many Christmas parties for family and friends, playing Santa Claus. On the fourth of July, celebrations at the Bahrs cottage became major events for neighbors around Wampler's Lake complete with fireworks, and lots of food. In January 1979, Susan and David welcomed the birth of their daughter, Jennifer, and Dave became the very best Dad a daughter could ever have. He taught her to drive on snow-covered Michigan roads, how to safely operate recreational watercrafts, how to cast a fly rod, how to race a go-kart, build a campfire, practice catch-and-release fishing, and much more. Jennifer inherited his competitive spirit and commitment to always give best effort. They spent winter weekends tying fishing flies at the cottage and warmer months taking guided fishing trips on the Au Sable River at Gates Lodge. Dave was a devoted pet lover. When Jennifer was a baby, a large Siamese cat named Fritz became her guard cat taking up duty next to her crib. An adopted beautiful black cat named Sooner was the perfect comfort companion. Two special black labs, Molly and later Sadie, always enjoyed raft rides with Dave around Wampler's Lake. David's parents were world travelers. When he was very young the family traveled to Europe on the Queen Mary and returned on the Queen Elizabeth. And so travel and camping were always a part of his family life, visiting all the lower 48 states and Alaska, National parks, yearly trips to Manitoulin Island, Canada, cruises to the Gulf and Glacier Bay Alaska. As a result, Jenn and her husband have become world class travelers. David was preceded in death by his parents, Ella and Fred C. Bahrs. He is survived by wife, Susan; daughter, Jennifer Bahrs Ellis (Jason Ellis); sister, Jean Davis (Thomas Davis); nieces, Melinda Davis, Mellissa Sullivan (William Sullivan); nephews, Mark Davis (with Wendy Snyder), Mike Davis (Lesley); great nephews, Andrew and Stephen; great niece, Katherine Davis. A memorial visitation will be held at Ansberg -West Funeral Home on September 24, 2026, from 3pm to 8pm. Memorial contributions may be considered to Toledo Humane Society and Ohio Living Hospice.

David C. Bahrs

July 21, 1941 - August 1, 2026