David Daughters
August 18, 1950 — April 10, 2025
If you had the good fortune to know Dave Daughters, you knew a man who poured his heart into his family, his community, and the adventures that brought them all together. Whether coaching, volunteering, or simply showing up—Dave was always there, fully present and full of heart. He never shied away from helping, especially when it came to anything involving his children, and he was a passionate and proud member of the Chillicothe community.
Dave's life was a story best told through the things he loved: his family, his hometown, and his deep love of travel. In retirement, he found pure joy in being a grandpa—cheering on his grandchildren, encouraging their curiosity, and planning trips that always included a history lesson or two. Travel was his spark, and he was fortunate to explore the world alongside the love of his life, Rosie. Together, they experienced the kind of journeys most people only dream about—each one more meaningful because it was shared.
David Allen Daughters, 74, of Chillicothe, passed away on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the James Cancer Center in Columbus, surrounded by his loving family following a brief illness.
He was born on August 18, 1950, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late Carl Curtis and Rosemary (Weber) Daughters. On April 24, 1976, he married his beloved wife, Rosemary (Irwin) Daughters, who survives.
Also surviving are their children, Elizabeth (Stephen) Showalter of Grove City, Benjamin (Kelly) Daughters, and Rebekah (Jon) Metzer, both of Chillicothe; grandchildren, Aubrey, Isa, Isley, Lola, Roary, Harper, Ryder, and Rowan; his brother, Michael Daughters; cousin, John Woelfel; and beloved AFS Exchange Student daughters, Isabela of Colombia and Carla of Argentina.
A proud graduate of Chillicothe High School's class of 1968, Dave went on to earn his Bachelor's degree from Ohio University in 1972. He had the heart of an entrepreneur, owning and operating two local businesses during his career—Chillicothe Motor Express and the Dairy Queen. He approached each venture with the same values that defined every part of his life: hard work, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility to those he served.
Dave was a lifelong volunteer, dedicating his time to causes and organizations that brought people together and built up his community. He was an Eagle Scout, a Boy Scout Troop Leader, and served on the Boy Scout's District Committee. He served on the Salvation Army Board, the YMCA Gymnastics Board, and was involved in both the YMCA Indian Princess and Indian Guide programs.
His passion for civic engagement extended to his work with the Jaycees Golf Course as a former JCI Senator, his term as president of the Chillicothe Country Club, and his service on the Adena Mansion and Garden Board. He was a docent for the Ross County Historical Society, coached track at Bishop Flaget School, and served as a Republican Party Central Committee representative. His friends and family also knew him as a Harley Davidson enthusiast who loved the freedom of the open road. He especially loved jumping on the bike with Rosie and exploring forgotten country roads, often with no particular destination in mind—just the joy of the ride. One of his favorite adventures was exploring the Caribbean Islands on his Harley, blending his love of travel, history, and the thrill of discovery.
Dave's legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the stories he told, the history he preserved, and the love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed—not only by his family—but by a community he served with heart and devotion.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2025, with Rev. Dr. Jason Link officiating. Burial will follow in Grandview Cemetery. Friends may join the family for visitation on Wednesday evening from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Downtown Chillicothe, Inc., 45 E Main St. Chillicothe, OH 45601 or the Ross County Historical Society, 45 W 5
th
St. Chillicothe, OH 45601.