Brian Eugene “Redbone” Wade never seemed particularly interested in doing things the ordinary way. If you knew Brian, you were fully aware of his antics and probably laughed with him along the way. Under his tough exterior was a husband, dad, grandpa and brother who would give the shirt off his back.
Brian passed away Saturday, October 3, 2026, following a very brief battle with cancer.
Born May 7, 1960, in Nelsonville, Ohio, Brian was a 1978 graduate of Lexington High School. While a teenager, he met the woman who would become his lifelong partner, Patty Durbin. Brian first spotted Patty at a swimming hole near Brumenshinkles Farm in Lexington. He decided right then that she was worth pursuing—and, to Patty’s credit, she eventually agreed. The two were married in 1980 and spent the next 46 years making memories, raising three daughters, traveling, camping, and navigating life.
Brian was a Harley-Davidson enthusiast and loved nothing more than getting out on the motorcycle with Patty. He was also a self-proclaimed “champion” cornhole player, and his smack talk was nearly as impressive as his game.
A passionate Ohio sports fan, Brian proudly cheered for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Guardians, and Cleveland Browns. He was especially excited about the Browns’ recent success, proudly calling out, “3 and 1, baby!”
He loved to fish. He fished on Lake Erie, and even scheduled fishing charters while vacationing on the coast. When he wasn’t on the lake, Brian could often be found sitting beside the pond on his own property, enjoying the simple pleasure of fishing and a little peace and quiet.
You could say golf was another favorite pastime, and Brian will be missed by his golfing friends at “the country club”—a name that may or may not have been completely official. He also enjoyed darts and was always ready for a little competition.
Brian was the kind of man who would help just about anyone who needed it. If someone called, Brian showed up. Sometimes he came with the solution. Sometimes he came up with a questionable solution. And almost always, he left behind a crazy story that would be told for years.
He was a proud American and a member of the Mansfield AMVETS Post #26, Ontario AMVETS Post #31, and Bellville AMVETS Post #43. He valued the friendships he made through these organizations and the camaraderie that came with them.
Brian was also something of a “mad scientist” when it came to alcoholic beverages. He enjoyed experimenting with his drink of choice, and generously shared with friends.
Family vacations often meant camping. Sometimes it was in a tent. Other times it was in a camper. The accommodations were secondary to Brian. He was after the adventure, the laughs, and probably a drink or two around the campfire.
There were usually two or three dogs at the Wade household, despite Brian’s repeated declaration that “this one is my last dog.”
Brian spent his summers in Ohio and wintered in Florida, where he built friendships that became an important part of his life. Whether he was in Ohio or Florida, Brian had a way of finding good people, good times, and usually something to laugh about.
Then there was the coveted Son-in-Law Trophy, an annual honor awarded to the son-in-law who had most successfully earned the title. The judging criteria was complicated, highly subjective, and, depending on the year, suspiciously connected to who brought Brian the most beer. The trophy became one more example of Brian’s sense of humor—competitive, sarcastic, and completely his own.
Brian teased, he talked smack, he stirred things up, and he rarely passed up an opportunity for a good one-liner. But underneath all that sarcasm was a generous man with a big heart. He was the guy you called when you needed help. The guy who would show up. The guy who might give you a hard time while helping you—but he would still be there.
Brian leaves behind Patty, his wife of 46 years; daughters Amy (Andrew) Kvochick, Chelsea (Michael) Blevins, and Britani (Clint) Rogers; grandchildren Quinn, Emery, and Cora Kvochick, Finley, Audrey and August Blevins, and Addison and Eliza Rogers; sister Pam Weitlauf as well as numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents Billy and Anna Belle Wade.
The Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve Brian’s family. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Richland County Humane Society.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes Lexington Avenue Chapel
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com