RIPLEY, Ohio — Lt. Colonel David Jay Rash, U.S. Marine Corp Retired, 57, and a UPS pilot of 14 years, of Shelbyville, Ky., passed away at his home Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008.
He was a native of Ripley, the son of Kenneth Rash and the late Hazel Germann Rash. David was born on March 30, 1951 in Cincinnati.
He attended St. Joseph Preparatory School in Bardstown, Ky., and graduated from St. Patrick High School in Maysville, in 1969. He graduated from Ohio State University, with a B.A. in political science, where he met the lovely Barbara Ann Farr of Steubenville, Ohio. They married on Sept. 23, 1972, at Saint Pius X Church.
Upon completion of the Basic School at Quantico, Va., he entered Naval Aviator training in June 1975. He was awarded his Navel Aviator Wings of Gold in 1976. After A-6A transition training with VMAT (AW)-202, he served as Attack Training Officer and Weapons and Tactics Instructor with VMA (AW)-533. Subsequent assignments included: Airwing Landing Signal Officer with Commander, Carrier Airwing Three/Attack Squadron 75; Operations Officer and Assistant Maintenance Officer, VMAT (AW)-202; Operations Officer and Maintenance Officer, VMA (AW)-121; F/A-18D/A-6E Requirements Officer, Department of Aviation HQMC, Washington, D.C.; Operations Officer Marine Aircraft Group Fourteen and Commanding Officer, Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533. While stationed in Aviano, Italy his squadron supported operation Deny Flight. Lt. Col. “Source” Rash logged over 5,000 hours of tactical jet time and over 600 carrier landings. He flew off the decks of USS Lexington, USS Saratoga, USS Kitty Hawk, USS America, USS Nimitz and USS Ranger. In 1987, he was named Marine Aviator of the Year and was selected by the Tailhook Association as the Marine Corps Tailhooker of the Year.
He retired from the Marine Corps as a selected Colonel in 1994. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with numeral Three Strike/Flight awards, Navy Commendation Medal and Navy Achievement Medal. After retiring from the Marines, he flew for UPS as a 757/767 Captain.
David and his wife, Barbara enjoyed visiting with family and friends at their lake home in Canandaigua, N.Y. “Uncle Fish” as he was affectionately known to all, enjoyed fishing, boating and sunset cruises with his “lake family.” They knew him as an avid Buckeye fan. He dedicated his life to Little League Baseball, coaching several teams and most recently as a respected umpire. As a father, he instilled integrity, morality and a sense of responsibility in his children.
David remained a devoted Catholic throughout his life and contributed to many charities.
His mother, Hazel L. Germann of Ripley, preceded him in death.
David is survived by his wife, Barbara of 36 years; his father, Kenneth Rash of Washington, D.C.; his mother-in-law, Edith Farr of Las Vegas, Nev.; sisters, Mrs. Barbara Pawsat and husband, Michael of Erlanger, Ky., Mrs. Jan Bennings and husband, Jack of Westin, Fla., and Mrs. Jodie Banta and husband, Barry of Maysville; brother, Tom Rash and wife, Agnes of Maysville; children, Jeffrey Rash and wife, Megan of Linden, Va., Amanda Dantzler and husband, Brook of Summerville, S.C., Nicholas Rash of Gainesville, Va.; and grandchildren, Ian and Aidan Rash.
Visitation will be Wednesday, Sept. 17, 6-8 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 18, 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Cahall Funeral Home, Ripley.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Ripley. Rev. James Schmitmeyer will be the celebrant.
Burial is immediately following in Maplewood Cemetery, Ripley.
The reception begins at 12:45 p.m. in the St. Michael parish hall.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Michael’s Catholic Elementary School scholarship fund, 300 Market St. Ripley, Ohio 45167 or the Marine Junior ROTC at Ripley High School, 1317 S. Second Street, Ripley, Ohio 45167.
Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.cahallfuneralhomes.com.
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