David Badger

Born in Lodi, Ohio, on 14 March 1940, David was the eldest son of Clifford and Helen (Fair) Badger. He graduated from Northwestern High School (1958), and then attended Manchester College in Indiana. That summer he joined a combine gang out west, traveling from Texas to Canada.

A cornerstone of David’s faith was his belief in pacifism. In lieu of military service, in 1960, Dave entered Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) and was sent to British Honduras / Belize, to serve on an early disaster response team after a hurricane. He went on to Nigeria, West Africa, and served until December 1963 at the Garkida Leprosarium’s farm. Then, for nine months, he traveled eastward stopping in Egypt, Lebanon, India, Thailand, Iraq, Iran, Australia, Fiji, Hawaii, and Canada, before returning home to West Salem, Ohio.

David graduated from Ohio State University in June 1966. He married Marilyn Carol Kettering on 9 July 1966, and they had two daughters: Bethany Freudenreich (Karl), and Andrea Sue Badger Yough (Mike).

Dave worked for John Deere for over 33 years. He started out in the service department, moved on to a position as the Ohio service territory manager, and later moved to Columbus to work as a service training instructor at the branch headquarters. He retired in December 1998, though he continued to teach classes as a consultant for the training center. In his free time, he enjoyed restoring antique tractors and equipment. He later served as president of the Ohio Two Cylinder Club (John Deere) and the Massey Harris Ferguson Club of Ohio. He also published machinery articles in magazines and newsletters, taught workshops about implements at tractor shows, and researched to author an unwritten book about combines.

David had an enduring curiosity and enjoyed reading across a wide range of topics. His interests included studying birds and nature. He was a member of societies that promoted the preservation of historical barns, canals, mills, and covered bridges. Throughout his life, he maintained a strong interest in other cultures and a sense of adventure which he passed on to his daughters.

Above all, David’s faith was at the core of his life. He served at Maple Grove Church of the Brethren as a deacon, trustee, Sunday School teacher, and Agape Acres representative, and helped with the new church building. He was a loving and faithful example to his family—in such daily ways as kneeling by his bed to pray each night, in faithfully loving his wife, and in trusting God despite all the challenges of illness.

David was preceded in death by his brother James. He is survived by his brothers Phillip, Carl, and John. He enjoyed the love of a large extended family of nieces, nephews, “in-laws,” and his beloved Australian Shepherd, Lexie.

Memorial services will be held at Maple Grove Church of the Brethren. Visitation (no viewing) will be Friday, 25 August from 4 to 6 pm at the church. There will be an additional visitation hour on Saturday, 26 August from 10 to 11 am, followed by a memorial service and celebration of life.

In remembrance of David’s life, the family asks that any donations be made to Maple Grove Church of the Brethren for their ministries.

The family wishes to acknowledge and thank the many healthcare workers, techs, therapists, nurses, and doctors from Southern Care Hospice, Heritage Home Healthcare, Ohio State Home Healthcare, and OSU’s James Cancer Center’s Genitourinary Oncology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy, and Interventional Radiology teams who have assisted David with his health and long-term illness. Each and every one of these teams made a difference in David’s extended life.

In addition, thank you to the many people who have reached out with meals, mowing, mail gathering, and many other things. You, too, have been part of David’s recovery.

Wappner Funeral Directors – Ashland is honored to serve the family