Donald Spade

Donald W. Spade, 82, of Berne passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at his residence in Florida. He was born Aug. 30, 1941, in Bluffton to Glen and Elizabeth (Ebnit) Spade. He was married Sep. 2, 1960, at the Cross Reformed Church in Berne to Jean C. Gerber.
He was a member of the West Missionary Church of Berne most of his life. He and his wife’s faith in Christ meant very much to them and was the foundation of their marriage.
He was employed at Dunbar Furniture Co., McIntosh Corp., CTS Corp., Lakes Engineering in Bluffton, Merkler Machine Works in Fort Wayne, Industra Corp. at Baer Field Fort Wayne, Chrysler Amplex Corp. in Van Wert and Daimler Chrysler in Kokomo, where he retired on Jan. 31, 2004.
He was an avid Purdue and South Adams sport fan. He enjoyed always working on projects around the house.
He is survived by his son, Tim (Laura) Spade of Decatur; two daughters, Karla (Bill) Gilson of Berne; and Lori (Mike) Dike of Evansville; seven grandchildren, Andrew (Stefanie) Spade; Stephanie (Alex) Lengerich; Taylor Schenk; Billy Gilson; Zachary Gilson; Gabrielle (Abby) Gilson; and Garrett Dike; and five great-grandchildren, Addison Lengerich; Trey Lengerich; Jaxson Lengerich; Emmett Gilson; and Oliver Goetz
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife on Aug. 8, 2013; daughter, Kimberly Renae at five days old; brother, Ronald G. Spade; brother-in-law, Nolan Koons; and sister-in-law, Annette Koons.
Visitation will be Monday, May 6 for two hours prior to the 11 a.m. funeral service at West Missionary Church in Berne. Officiating will be Pastor Keith Rupp. Burial will be at MRE Cemetery in Berne.
Memorials may be made to West Missionary Church.
Arrangements provided by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne. To sign the online guest book, visit www.zwickjahn.com.