**Obituary for Douglas R. Wade**

Douglas (“Doug”) Renald Wade, 81, died after a long battle with dementia on March 5, 2026 at St. Ann’s Hospital in Westerville, Ohio, he was a long-time resident of Columbus, Ohio.

Born in Baltimore Maryland, his parents relocated to Columbus shortly after his birth, and it was there; while growing up, he developed a love of sports and cars.

Doug was a free-spirited person with a knack for numbers and working on cars. He loved watching college and professional football with the Ohio teams being his first love. His unwavering support for The Ohio State University Football and Basketball teams was always memorable experience to be around. He is proceeded in death by his mother, Lois Jean Black, father, John “Jack” Wade; Brothers, Phil Wade, Dennis Wade, Tony Wade; Sister, Lois Black; and Children, Douglas R. Wade, Jr. and Gregory A. Wade. He is survived by his sisters, Kathy Black, Karin Black, and Leslea Black, along with eight (8) children.

Doug was a man of few words; however, his actions spoke volumes for the love he had of his children. All children grow up to begin their adult lives but he was always available to help them in any way he could, specifically, with teaching any of his children how to negotiate a car deal, what questions a salesperson asks, how an engine of the make and model should sound, and cost of maintenance, to make sure it was a good purchase.

In his final days, Doug was still asking about cars and his children, but the phrase remembered most from him is always his goodbye, “Love ya.”