Don Ray Wade, 80, Rushville, died at 3:37 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Memorial Hospital in Springfield, with his loving family by his side. He was born on December 6, 1942, in Paris, IL, the son of the late William Lloyd & Ethel (Zimmerly) Wade. Don married the love of his life, Janis Walter, on August 4, 1979, in Ottawa, and she survives.
He is also survived by three children whom he was very proud of: Dr. Amy Wade-Orndorff & Nicholas of Illinois, Angela Weaver and Joseph of Kentucky, and Ryan Wade and Danny Spyker of Illinois, as well as five grandchildren whom he adored: Landon and Drew Orndorff, and Aubrey, Logan, and Bryce Weaver.
Don was raised on a dairy farm just outside of Paris. He graduated from Paris High School in 1961. He then attended Eastern Illinois University where he obtained a teaching degree in zoology and botany in 1965, followed by his master’s degree in biology in 1969.
He taught science at Moulton Junior High in Shelbyville, for one year and Biology and Health Education at Rushville High School for 29 years before retiring in 1994. He also taught night courses in biology for Spoon River College. After retirement he taught part-time and was a substitute teacher at various schools in Rushville, Beardstown, Mt. Sterling, Industry, Triopia, Astoria, and V.I.T.
Don’s faith was very important to him. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Rushville and served on numerous Walk to Emmaus teams throughout the years. He was also a life member of the National Education Association and a 50-year member of the Paris Masonic Lodge No. 268. He served on various boards throughout the years including the Schuyler County Food Basket and the Schuyler County Heart Association. He was also a member of the Schuyler County Humane Society, Schuyler County Audubon Society, and University of Illinois Extension Master Gardner program, receiving the State Outstanding Master Gardner Award in 2016. He loved to golf and played in the Men’s Twilight Golf League for 40 years.
His greatest joys in life were his family and friends, making a difference in the lives of the students he taught, and his cat, Navi.
There will be a funeral service for Don at 12:00 p.m., on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Triplett & Wood Funeral Home in Rushville. Visitation will start at 9:00 a.m. and continue until service time.
Pastor Stacy Tomich and Mr. David Haney officiating.
A burial will follow at the Rushville City Cemetery immediately following the service.
Memorials in Don’s name may be made to the Schuyler County Humane Society or the “Snacks for Students” program.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.triplettwood.com
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