Donald H. Rahn

Lt. Col Donald H. Rahn, USAF Retired - 1928 - 2024

Don, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2024, at the age of 95. He is survived by his son Michael

of NYC and son and daughter-in-law, Bill & Kristy Rahn, along with his grandchildren, Nicholas,

Daniel, and Katie of Batavia, OH. He is preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Sue (Wilkes), his

brothers Robert O. Rahn and Ivan J. Rahn. Don was born in Dayton, OH to Rudolph John and Ruth

Ohrman Rahn.

Don was an amazing soul with a love for flying. He graduated from The Univ. of Cincinnati with a

degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1951 and then spent 30 years in the USAF both active duty and

as a reservist. He met his true love Sue while he was stationed in Georgia, and they were married in

1953. Don & Sue spent 6 years in Europe while he was stationed there. He logged 1000’s of hours in

flight time with his favorite being in the F-86 Saber & the F-100 Super Saber, the first USAF fighter

able to achieve supersonic speeds in level flight. He was at his happiest when he was in the cockpit

high above the clouds.

He returned to Dayton, Ohio in 1959 where he spent 22 more years as a USAF reservist. Following his

return, he started working in the family business, the Rahn Granite Surface Plate Company. The

company was founded by his father and his brother Ivan in 1943. The company was recognized not

only for its precision manufacturing but also for its commitment to supporting hearing-impaired

employees, inspired by Don's brother Ivan, who was deaf from childhood. Don spent 42 years

working at Rahn Granite until the company was sold in 2001.

After his retirement in 2001 Don filled his days doing the things he loved. At the young age of 80 he

made his last entry into his flight log and flew a replica 1910 Wright B Flyer. Age was only a number

to Don and one that didn’t hold him back. He loved to travel, in his late 80’s he traveled to China,

Russia, South America & his final trip was to Egypt where he celebrated his 91st birthday. He bowled

weekly and was in a league up until last year. He was 95 years old using his 50-year-old ball that

weighed 16lbs. When he wasn’t at the gym you would find him working in his yard or cleaning the

swimming pool at the family home on Lynnaway Drive. Every Friday he hand-washed his precious

powder blue Cadillac, Deville, making sure the white walls glowed and the gold rims sparkled. Friday

& Saturday nights were reserved for date nights and dancing. His dance card was always full before

he even walked into the local Eagles clubs. He loved a “Gal” that could dance, and the gals loved him.

In his early 90’s Don moved down to Batavia where his family could offer more support and care. He

spent his last several years at Provision Living in the assisted living area and then moved into the

memory care unit where he spent his final months. We want to thank the Provision Living staff for

making it like home for Don. We are so thankful for the care and support that you provided. We will

miss the friendly faces of the staff & residents that have become like family.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Alzheimer Association.

Services will be Saturday, January 13th at Thomas-Justin Memorial, 7500 Montgomery Rd. (45236)

Kenwood. Visitation 9 -10 am with prayer service to follow at 10 am.

Graveside service at 12 pm.

Location: The Dayton Memorial Park & Cemetery

Address: 8135 N. Dixie Drive

City: Dayton, OH 45414

The Gravesite is located in Section 3. Turn left once inside the entrance off of Dixie Highway.

There will be no formal funeral procession from Cincinnati.