Donald Walter Bahr

Donald Walter Bahr passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, at the age of 98. He was the devoted husband for 59 years of Mary Estelle (née Zieverink), who preceded him in death in 2019.

He was a loving and proud father of Donald Jr. (Colleen) and Susan Cleverly, and a cherished grandfather to Lauren and Chris (Chelsea) Bahr, and Clara and Jessie Cleverly. He was also a beloved uncle and great uncle. Don was born and raised in Chicago with his parents, Walter and Justine Bahr, and his brother, Gary, all of whom he would later outlive. Don took immense pride in his family and few things mattered more to him than their well-being, their pursuits, and their accomplishments.

He graduated with honors from the University of Illinois with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and went on to earn two M.S. degrees in Chemical Engineering and Gas Technology from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Don served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.

In 1956, Don began a distinguished 38-year career with GE Aircraft Engines. He later served for more than two decades as Manager of Combustion Technology, where he led efforts to develop combustion systems for aircraft and industrial gas turbine engines. His work was instrumental in advancing low-emissions technologies. He also represented GE on several national and international committees focused on turbine engine emissions standards.

During his retirement, Don remained deeply engaged in his field through consulting work and service on seven National Research Council committees. An exceptionally intelligent and accomplished engineer, he was internationally recognized for his expertise in gas turbine combustion and fuels technologies. He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1991 and, in 1995, was inducted into the General Electric Propulsion Hall of Fame. He was a Fellow of both the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and received numerous honors, including the prestigious ASME R. Tom Sawyer Award.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Don most treasured time spent with family and friends. He and Mary shared a love of duplicate bridge, theater, music, golf, dinners with friends and they were avid explorers of the world. Above all, Don’s greatest joy was being a devoted husband, father, and a very fun grandfather.

A visitation and memorial service will be held on June 19, 2026, at Gilligan Funeral Home (8225 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45236). Visitation will take place from 3:00–5:00 p.m., with the service beginning at 5:00 p.m. A private burial will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cincinnati Public Radio or Honor Flight Tri-State.