Robert E. Wade
February 28, 1934 ~ August 18, 2019
Robert E. “Bob” Wade, 85, of Columbus, Indiana, died at 2 a.m. August 18, 2019, at Keepsake Village of Columbus.
Bob was born February 28, 1934, in Greene County, Indiana, the son of Leland and Vione Craig Wade. He married Nancy J. Brown June 4, 1955.
Bob enlisted in the Marines in 1951 and served his country for 3 years during the Korean War. He was discharged in 1954 with the rank of Sergeant.
Bob enjoyed a 43 year career with International Harvester (Navistar), working his way up to Chief Financial Officer. He worked with the company at various locations including Indianapolis, Chicago and Ohio.
He earned his MBA from the University of Chicago and completed his undergraduate work at Indiana University and Northwestern. Bob attended Community Church of Columbus and was a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed golfing, hunting and fishing.
The funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m.Saturday, August 24, 2019, at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Walton officiating. Calling will be 1 p.m. until time of service Saturday.
Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or the Community Church of Columbus in memory of Bob.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Nancy; 13 nieces and nephews; several great nieces and nephews; and several great-great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Leland Wade and mother, Vione Patterson; a brother, William “Bill” Wade and a sister, Joan Fields.
You are invited to light a virtual candle and send a message to the Wade family via the internet
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Lit a candle in memory of Robert E. Wade
Bob Wade, neighbor and friend. A man who could never be taken serious. He loved to tell jokes (all the time). A perfectionist when it came to his lawn! Offered help when he had no business helping. His smile was priceless! Bob will be missed. Sending our love to Nancy and family from Jim and Jayne
Didn’t know Bob long but found him to be very nice and took great pride in his lawn and flowers. Prayers for Nancy.
Carolyn Wentz
In our small community of neighbors, it was always good to see Bob at the mailbox. As a Marine veteran he also respected all other vets. His jokes and stories, along with a warm smile, were always welcoming. He brought happiness. God’s blessings and comfort to Nancy.
Paul and Maria Leddy
Lit a candle in memory of Robert E. Wade
Lit a candle in memory of Robert E. Wade
Bob was one of my favorite cousins. I have such fond memories of him from when I was young. Carole Wade O’Brien
I worked with Bob years ago up here in Canada. He was an amazing individual, a mentor and a friend.
I was a fairly young accountant and Bob took me under his wing and taught me so much. He was a hard but fair taskmaster with a brilliant mind.
He and I left the company we both worked for at about the same time. unfortunately we lost touch – which I blame fully upon myself as Bob reached out with a beautiful letter and reminded me to keep in touch. I regret so much that I did not.
Bob was a shining light and it is with great sadness that I learned of his passing. Nancy, my heart goes out to you – he talked of you often and with such great love and admiration.
Allane Andrusko
I worked for Bob for a few years at IH. He was the best boss I ever had in my many years of employment….hands down. Bob always had my back. I not only considered him a co worker but a good friend as well. Hard working, fair, funny and totally loyal. Was sad when he moved back to Indiana as I totally lost touch with him. Rest in peace, my buddy. Semper Fi. Nancy, hugs to you.