Dave Colahan

David “Dave” Fox Colahan, 85, of Columbus, Ohio, died peacefully at home on August 28, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Norwalk, Ohio, to Herschel Merton Colahan and Doris Fox Colahan.

In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his sister, Diane (Don) Henderson, and his brothers, Phil Colahan, Brian (Dolly) Colahan, and Mark Colahan. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Rae Colahan.

Dave served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1963, with assignments at Fort Knox, Kentucky; Fort Belvoir, Virginia; Fort Bliss, Texas; and Camp Dachau, Germany.

He attended Morehead State University in Kentucky, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1967 and a master’s degree in 1969, followed by postgraduate work at The Ohio State University. His specialty was Industrial Arts Education. Dave taught for two years at Decatur County Community Schools in Greensburg, Indiana, before beginning a 36-year career with Hilliard City Schools in Hilliard, Ohio.

Dave was also an avid woodworker throughout his life. The homes of those he loved are filled with beautiful, handcrafted furniture, bowls, and ornamental works of art. Woodworking requires physical strength, patience, precision, and a willingness to take the time to do something well. Those qualities embodied Dave.

But more than anything, Dave was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Susie, and their children: Matt (Kristina) Colahan, Amy (Dan) White, Sara Loken (Charles Miller), Gregg (Marsha) Colahan, and Dan (Lisa) Colahan.

Dave was present for each of his children. He attended every sporting event, listened to every story, offered encouragement, and gave his love freely and consistently. He was a humble man who took no credit for his children’s accomplishments. Instead, he was continually amazed by and proud of each of them. He welcomed their chosen partners with open-hearted love and took great joy in the families they built.

Dave was a beloved Papaw to Cierra, Gaven, Maya, Sam, Kimber, Max, Dean, Russ, Lydia, Neil, Gwen, Emmett, and Elin. He was also blessed with three great-grandchildren, Mazzy, Ellie, and Sully.

Every member of Dave’s family was made better and more whole by his quiet strength, wisdom, and gentleness. He was a man of deep faith who brought a sense of comfort and safety to those around him. Simply being in his presence was calming.

Dave leaves behind a remarkable legacy of love—not through grand gestures or a desire for recognition, but through the steady, faithful way he lived his life and loved his family. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished by the many people whose lives he touched.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, September 3, from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at Schoedinger Norris Grove City, 4242 Hoover Road, Grove City, OH 43123.

A funeral service will be held Friday, September 4, at 11:30 a.m. at Vineyard Christian Fellowship of Grove City, 3005 Holt Road, Grove City, OH 43123.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dave’s memory to Capital City Hospice https://capitalcityhospice.com/donate/ or Vineyard Christian Fellowship of Grove City https://www.gcvineyard.org/ .

Visit www.schoedinger.com to share a special memory or extend condolences.