Ralph Ben Bahr

Ralph was born in Hoboken, New Jersey to George and Frieda Bahr on 30 June 1928. Upon turning seventeen Ralph enlisted in the United States Navy in August 1945 to contribute to the ongoing war effort. Prior to turning seventeen, young men required a parent’s signature to enlist in the U.S. Military, Ralph’s parents refused to let him sign up until he could do so himself. After his four year enlistment with the Navy, Ralph returned home to New York City for a few months, he then felt the call of duty once again as he enlisted in the recently independent U.S. Air Force. The Air Force assigned Ralph to his first overseas tour to Japan in early 1950. War broke out on the Korean Peninsula in June of that year and Ralph’s unit was immediately deployed to the war zone. After completing his combat tour and finishing his tour in Japan, Ralph returned to New York City where after a short, intense and very romantic courtship Ralph married Lea Barbara Nyberg on 29 June 1952 in New York, New York.

Ralph went on to complete over twenty two years of active military service spanning three wars (WW II, Korea, and Vietnam) and have five wonderful children with Lea during that time. He received the Bronze Star Medal and the Air Medal for his heroic service during his combat tour in Vietnam. After honorably serving his country, Ralph completed a second career with Lockheed Georgia Company. While at Lockheed he was involved with the C5 and L1011 projects.

Always ready to serve his church, community, and country, Ralph organized and led two monumental construction projects for his Lutheran congregations. He also served as a Boy Scout Executive and a Scout Master for twelve years in addition to volunteering as a Probation Officer for fourteen years.

Preceded in death by his parents and his beautiful wife, Lea. Ralph is survived by his five children Ralph B. Bahr, Jr.; Carol B. Anthony, Mark S. Bahr, Leslie D. Bahr, and Brooks R. Bahr; his six grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Through modern technology, Ralph became aware of an unknown son, Stan, he had before meeting his wife. They were able to connect later in life, and Ralph added to his amazing family two more grandchildren and three more great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 3:30pm - 4:00pm Saturday, 11 June 2022 followed by a short scripture reading at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, Oldsmar/West Hillsborough Chapel, 6802 Silvermill Drive, Tampa FL 33635. Full military funeral honors and a graveside service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia on Friday August 12, 2022 at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BlountCurryWest.com

Ralph’s family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Suncoast Hospice.