DAVID LENZ
Retired Fire Chief David M. Lenz, age 71, of Shadyside, Ohio, passed away at Wheeling Medical Park on Saturday, January 13, 2024.
He was born on July 7, 1952 in Bellaire, Ohio. He was the son of the late Robert R. and Martha (Walker) Lenz.
David was a 1970 graduate of Shadyside High School and attended Muskingum College. He retired from United Dairy in Martins Ferry and the OR&W Fire District in Shadyside.
David joined the Shadyside Fire Department in December of 1975. He moved up the ranks to become fire chief in 2003. He remained fire chief until his retirement in August 2023. He was one of the key people in helping to form the OR&W Fire District in 2012.
David was in the first paramedic class offered by Belmont Community Hospital/Belmont Tech in the early 1980’s. He had a sincere devotion to the fire department, EMS services and the community.
He enjoyed classic cars and was widely known for his ownership of red Firebirds. He also enjoyed drag racing and watching the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Above all else, David loved his family and the Lord with all of his heart. Family time was extremely important to him.
David is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Kimberly A. (Howell) Lenz; his son, Michael D. (Krista) Lenz; his daughter, Amanda Lenz, all of Shadyside; and his granddaughter, Lorileigh Lenz who was the light of his life.
In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert (Bob) S. Lenz of Wheeling, West Virginia and Thomas Lenz of Munhall, Pennsylvania; and his in-laws, John and Nira Howell of Shadyside.
David was a member of Lincoln Avenue Methodist Church of Shadyside, the Belmont County Fire and Squad Association and the Ohio Fire Chief Association.
Family and friends will be received at the Bauknecht-Altmeyer Funeral Home and Crematory, 3900 Central Ave., Shadyside, on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 from 3-5 p.m., and again from 6-8 p.m. with OR&W Service at 7 p.m.
Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Wednesday January 17, 2024 from noon until time of service at 1 p.m. Interment to immediately follow in Belmont County Memorial Park, St. Clairsville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to OR&W Fire District or to the Lincoln Avenue United Methodist Church School Lunch program by going to TMCFunding.com.