Obituaries

Robert Phillip Rahr Jr.

ROBERT PHILLIP RAHR JR., 53, of Bethany, WV, passed away on Friday, November 25, 2022 at Trinity Medical Center, Steubenville, OH, with his family by his side after a brief battle with an aggressive, and recently diagnosed cancer. Robb was born on August 6, 1969 in Steubenville, OH. He was the son of Robert P. Rahr Sr and his wife, Barbara of Nottingham Twp, PA and Christina (Luoto) Wells and her husband, Jack of Wellsburg, WV. Robb served in the United States Army reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant after proudly serving our country for 20 years as a Military Police Canine Handler, serving in imminent danger areas to include Afghanistan and Korea in addition to serving in four other countries. He received numerous awards and medals to include Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Three Campaign Stars, Army Commendation Medal 4th award, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal 6th award, Army Good Conduct Medal 4th award, National Defense Service Medal 2nd award, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon 2nd Award, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon 4th Award, NATO Medal, Driver and Mechanic Badge and Expert Marksmanship Badge with Pistol Bar. Robb had multiple canine partners throughout his career, two of the most memorable being Wanda and Falco. They had a bond down range that was indescribable and not only was he proud to serve our country, but enjoyed being able to go to work and “play” with the dogs daily. Robb was a truly one of the brave and highly respected by many he served with. Robb was a recent graduate of West Liberty State University with a Bachelor of Arts with regents degree. After his faithful military service, he continued on with a brief career at K2 Solutions as a K9 transporter and then with G4S as a security guard, who was recently taken over by Allied Services. Robb also orchestrated the opening and managing of the fine details with the new Veterans Honeless Shelter in Wheeling, WV. Many will remember Robb for his love of history and museums, guns, his passion for his guitars and generalized music, collecting Marvel and DC items, and his beer tasting adventures among friends. Most of all he was dedicated to his family. Family was something he held close to his heart and never forgot about love and loyalty. During his life, he dedicated what time he had to his children and wife. After retirement, he had the honor of becoming a grandpa and was accused of becoming a child himself and strived to spoil them rotten. Robb was quick to call someone family, blood-related or not. He always made sure you were taken care of in anyway he could. His heart was the size of the Ohio River and never turned down an opportunity to help those in need. His smile, hugs, and sense of humor will be missed the most, as that was something he had an endless supply of till the bitter end. In addition to his grandparents, Robert was preceded in death by the love of his life after 26 years of marriage, Penny Katherine (Carlisle) Rahr, in January of 2022. In addition to his parents, Robb is survived by his three children, Gwendolyn Katherine Rahr, of Newport News, VA. Eric Wyatt Rahr, of Bethany, WV. Jessica Savannah Rahr, of Indiana and additional son, David Alan Hill, of Dalton, Georgia. Robb had five grandchildren, Eliana, Alison, Hunter, Summer and Taylor ; a sister, Jill Christina Lawson and her husband, Scott of Ashburn, VA ; along with a recent engagement to Missy Richmond of Hurricane, WV, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Family and friends will be received on Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 12 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2 p.m., at the James Funeral Home, Follansbee, with Pastor Jason Cline of the Follansbee Church of Christ, officiating. In addition, Military Honors will be conducted by the WV Army National Guard. Interment will be private at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville, PA. Cremated remains will also be spread amongst the Ohio River during a private ceremony with family. Condolences, photos and stories may be viewed or added at www.chambersandjames.com.