Gene C. Wade

Gene C. Wade, 86, of Girard, passed away on Saturday, September 6, 2025.

He was born on June 10, 1939, a son of the late Truman C. and Charlotte B. (Branch) Wade.

Gene graduated from McDowell High School and began his working years at the Boston Store in Erie. He later joined General Electric, where he proudly and loyally worked for 39 years as a dispatcher, ensuring the daily delivery of parts. His time at GE deepened a lifelong fascination with trains.

A lover of travel and adventure, Gene delighted in planning trips and finding joy in every journey. He and his wife traveled the country with Western Square Dancing Clubs, loving the time together. He also cherished life’s simple pleasures-taking walks in the woods, camping with his family, and fishing as often as he could. He passed down that love of the outdoors to his grandchildren. Gene gave of his time as a Cub Scout leader and Little League coach. Known as a jack of all trades, he inspired his children with self-reliance and built additions to his home with his own hands. The family’s small “hobby farm” taught everyone the value of hard work and the care of animals.

Holidays were marked by Gene’s famous Christmas sticky buns, and his love for baking was well known. He won Carolyn’s heart with a homemade rhubarb pie, and many pies followed through the years. In retirement, Gene and Carolyn wintered in Florida, where they built cherished friendships, and enjoyed summers at Chardonnay Village in Girard, highlighted by nights around the fire pit.

In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his brother, Ernest Wade.

He will be deeply missed by his loving family, including his wife, Carolyn (Nitschke) Wade, whom he married on June 29, 1991; daughters, Susan Tallman (Mark) and Kathy Wade (Adam); step-daughters, Amy Werner (Mark) and Susan Ignasiak; sons, Dennis Wade (Sarah) and Gary Wade (Brenda); step-son, Adam Ignasiak; grandchildren, Joseph Tallman (Caitlin), Benjamin Tallman (Carrie), Courtney Burton (Paul), Isaac Goodwin, Faith Povlik (Keith), Linday Wade, Kasey Wade, Keaton Wade, Zaleigh Wade, and Jordan Werner; great-grandchildren, Audra Burton, Ryleigh Tallman, Nataleigh Tallman, Leo Tallman, and Otto Tallman; and niece, Autumn Wade.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Lung Association, 5755 Granger Rd., Ste. 905, Independence, OH 44131, or at Donate to American Lung Association in honor of Gene, who lived with asthma throughout his life.

Friends may call on Friday, September 12, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Edder Family Funeral Home, 309 Main St. E., Girard. Additional calling hours will be held on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Hope Cemetery.
 

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