MOUNT VERNON – Frederick David “Fred” Wade Sr., passed away peacefully in his sleep in Mount Vernon on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021. He was 76 years old. He was born on July 11, 1944, in Columbus to the late L. G. (Pappy) Wade and Wilma A. Blumenschein.
Fred was a lifelong farmer, hunter, fisherman, gardener, avid euchre player and all-around outdoor enthusiast. He grew up in Worthington and attended Worthington High School until moving to Centerburg in his sophomore year due to the construction of interstate 71, which displaced his family from their farm on State Route 161. Shortly after moving to Centerburg, he met his future wife, Kathryn Hall, in 1960 in the hallway playing tag. They were married in 1965 in the home Kathy currently resides in.
Fred continued to farm with his family through the early 1980s. In the early 1970s, the family started their maple syrup operation that continued through 2013. Fred continued to support his family through multiple entrepreneurial ventures — from raising black raspberries and selling produce, firewood and maple syrup to working at the local AMVETS Post 59 and farming with his best friend, Gary White, up until October of last year. Fred touched many people throughout his life and will be missed by all.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kathryn “Kathy” Wade of Centerburg; his children, Fred and Joyce Wade, David and Karen Wade, and David and Kathy Webb; his grandchildren, Shelby and Rusty Weber, Kori Baughman, Lucas Brown, Wade Baughman, Adam Wade, Alexa Dennis, Madison Dennis, Rylee Webb, Kendal Webb and Courtney Webb; and his great-grandchildren, Oaklynn Weber and Charlee Weber.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, L. G. and Wilma Wade; and a granddaughter, Ashley Wade.
Fred’s family is planning a private memorial service for him that will take place sometime in the spring.
Memories of Fred and condolences may be posted at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
The DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements and is honored to serve the Wade family.
