Daniel James Wade

Daniel James Wade died on March 10, 2026 at his home in Frankfort, Ohio surrounded by his family. Dan was born on August 27, 1945 in Chillicothe to James A. and Ann (Phillips) Wade. He married Barbara June Schaaf on May 13, 1967 and they have been together in all things for almost 59 years.

Together they had three wonderful children: Joshua (Marlene Jensen), Abigail (David Brugno), Elijah (Erin Goonan) and six grandchildren - Alex and Nathan Wade, Lyndsay and Jonah Brugno, Jackson and Carson Wade. He is also survived by his brother Charlie Wade (Teresa), brother-in-law Jake Schaaf (Sherri), and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Carol Krider, sister-in-law Betsy Schaaf, and his granddaughter Carly Brugno.

He was a Boy Scout with Troop 4 of Salem Church, Explorer Post 14 of St. Peter's Catholic Church and member of Order of the Arrow of the Chief Logan Council. He graduated from Unioto High School in 1963. Dan joined the US Army Reserve 1001 Field Service Company in 1966. He graduated from Ohio University with BsEd in 1969 and graduated from Ohio University with MsEd in 1981. He taught Special Education at Unioto HS for ten years and worked as Work-Study Coordinator for Ross County and Pickaway County Boards of Education until his retirement in 1998. He was named Ohio Work-Study Coordinator of the Year in 1987.

Dan coached football for both Unioto and Adena Schools and track for Unioto. He was a member of Chillicothe Ross County Public Library Board from 1989-2015, served as president, and was part of the building of the Chillicothe Northside Branch and remodeling of Howard Young Branch in Frankfort. He was past President of the Board of Salem United Church of Christ. He was a Concord Township EMT from 1974-2008 and was a member of Frankfort Village Council for four terms. He was President and Vice-President of the Frankfort Area Historical Society. He completed TOSRV four times in the 1980's. He successfully wrote many grants of which over $450,000 was used in and around the village of Frankfort including the bike/walk path to Adena Schools.

Dan enjoyed many travels with his wife which included trips to Germany, Austria, Ireland and Guam and numerous trips to many states in the US and Canada. He loved his family, loved to travel, loved working in his wood shop, loved talking politics, loved the Ohio University Marching 110, loved to golf and ride his bike, and loved to read. As Ducky said on NCIS - "We die twice. Once when your body gives out, And again when your stories stop being told." We will be telling Dan stories for many years.

Calling hours will be observed at Ebright Funeral Home in Frankfort from 5-7 pm on March 20. A graveside service for family will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the Chillicothe-Ross County Library, 140 S. Paint Street, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601; or Concord Township EMS at 985 Jamison Road, Frankfort, Ohio 45628; or Frankfort Area Historical Society at PO Box 117, Frankfort, Ohio 45628.