OBITUARY:
Forrest Dale Bahler, May 26, 1935-Dec 17, 2005
Forrest Dale Bahler, 70, of Dallas died Dec 17 in Portland. He was born in North Bend to Dorris and Viola Taylor Bahler. Forrest graduated from Siletz High School in 1954 and joined the US Navy, serving in Korea. He participated in the atomic testing in the Marshall Islands. He was transferred to the Reserves in 1958. In 1981 Forrest joined the Disabled American Veterans in Salem. He became the Chapter Commander for 4 years. At the State Convention he was awarded Commander of the Year 1992-1993. In 2001-2002 he received his second Commander of the Year award, and at the Veteran’s Day Banquet he received the Veteran of the Year award. He was honored in the Veterans Day Parade in Albany. In 2003 Forrest was called upon to lead the Disabled American Veterans as State Commander. He was honored to serve his fellow Veterans with compassion and dedication. His love and respect for them was reflected in his hard work. He worked at Willamette Industries in Dallas for 26 years. Forrest and Connie were married Oct 7, 1988 in Dallas. He was a member of the Disables American Veterans, VFW, AmVets and the Elks. He enjoyed woodworking, guns, hunting, fishing and fundraising for local veterans. He was lovingly referred to as “Fish” or “Orey” to many. Survivors include his wife, Connie Bahler of Dallas; sons, Greg Bahler of Harrisburg, and Marck Bahler of Dallas; daughters, Mone of Jefferson, Debbie Martin of Perrydale, and Colleen of Dallas; stepchildren, Calvin Rhoades, John Rhoades, Rob Rhoades and Vickie Martin of Dallas; brother, Ray Bahler of Lebanon; sister, Sharon of Logston; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; 16 step-grandchildren; and four step-great grandchildren. Visitation will be 9 am to 1 pm Wednesday, Dec 21 at Dallas Mortuary Tribute Center. Graveside service with Navy Honors will follow at 2 pm at Womer Cemetery in Pedee. Contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans or to Doernbecher’s Children’s Hospital.
Itemizer Observer, Wednesday, December 21, 2005, 21A
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