Douglas R Wade

Douglas Renald Wade, 81, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away on March 5, 2026 at St. Ann’s Hospital in Westerville after a long battle with dementia.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Doug moved with his family to Columbus shortly after his birth. Growing up there, he developed a lifelong passion for sports and cars. A free-spirited man with a natural talent for numbers, he found joy in working on vehicles and following college and professional football. His enthusiastic support for Ohio State University football and basketball created many memorable moments for those around him.

Doug was a man of few words, yet his actions clearly demonstrated the deep love he held for his children. He remained a steady source of guidance throughout their lives, especially when it came to buying cars. He taught them how to negotiate deals, what questions to ask a salesperson, how an engine should sound, and how to evaluate maintenance costs to ensure they made sound purchases.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Lois Jean Black; his father, John “Jack” Wade; his brothers, Phil, Dennis, and Tony Wade; his sister, Lois Black; and his children, Douglas R. Wade, Jr. and Gregory A. Wade. Doug is survived by his sisters, Kathy Black, Karin Black, and Leslea Black, along with eight children. In his final days, even as he inquired about cars and his family, his most cherished parting words remained, “Love ya.”