Gene Charles Bahls

Gene Charles Bahls, age 95, of Morganton, GA was called home on Monday, November 11, 2024, in Blue Ridge, GA. Gene was born June 9, 1929, in Danville, IL to Martin and Renetta Bahls. 

Mr. Bahls was a Purdue University graduate with a BS in both Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Management. He met and married Marilyn while both attended Purdue. He participated in several activities including Baseball, Football, pledging Delta Theta Phi, and joining the Purdue Glee club. He earned an MBA and went on to a successful career in manufacturing, as well as serving on several Boards as director, before retiring as the Senior VP of Marketing for Cerastar. 

Gene was an avid sailor, skier, theater performer, and supporter of the musical Arts. Kankakee Valley Symphony and Kankakee Valley Youth Symphony had a strong cheerleader in Gene. More than anything, Gene loved to sing: in the local theater, in the church choir, and whenever the spirit moved him. 

Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Bahls; father, Martin Bahls; mother, Renetta Bahls; and sons, David Bahls and Steven Bahls.

He is survived by his daughter, Sara Neville; sister, Carol Johnston; Niece Kristin (Steve) Baumgartner, Nephew Martin (Tracy) Toy,  grandchildren Jennifer (Bryan) Spear, Christopher (Shannon) Durre, and Elizabeth (Jason) Williams, as well as several great grandchildren.

He was an active member of the Lutheran Church and Lutheran Synod.

Funeral Service, on Saturday November 16, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home & Crematory Blue Ridge Chapel with the Rev. Dr. Tom Jordan officiating. Military Honors by The North Georgia Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, please support The Lutheran Diaconal Association. On the web: https://thelda.org/donations/ or send to: Center for Diaconal Ministry, 1304 LaPorte Ave, Valparaiso IN 46383

Interment will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Danville, IL on Monday, November, 18, 2024.

Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Gene Charles Bahls; you may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranmcdaniel.com.