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Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Complete Obituary: Donald Wade Garland, 81, of Shinglehouse - former Richburg teacher

 

Donald Wade Garland  “beloved father, grandfather and brother” 

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA---Donald Wade Garland, 81, of Shinglehouse, passed away in the comfort of his home on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, after a long illness. 

Born on Thursday, February 4, 1943 in Johnstown, PA, he was a son of Donald Link and Arvilla M. Gossard Garland.  On December 23, 1966 in Conemaugh Grace Brethren Church in Conemaugh, PA, he married Jacqueline D. “Jacqui” Jones, who passed away on September 20, 2013. 

Wade was a graduate of Johnstown (PA) High School and was a graduate of Clarion University, also earning a Master’s Degree from the University of Tennessee. 

He was first a teacher at Richburg (NY) High School and then at Salamanca (NY) High School.  He retired from Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse, having taught primarily chemistry and physics. 

Wade was a long time attendee of Portville Baptist Church in Portville, NY. He loved his “old wooden” boat, having it docked on Seneca Lake for many years where he spent many hours restoring it and cruising it on the lake. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading, Sudoku puzzles and crossword puzzles.  His greatest love was his family. 

Surviving are his daughter, Wendy D. (Truby) Garland of West Deer Township (near Pittsburgh); a granddaughter, Heather L. Learish; a grandson, Dylon L. Garland; a great-grandson, Levi Learish; a brother, Richard A. (Sharon) Garland of Ocean City, NJ; a sister, Brenda G. (Alan) Dillon of Madison, Alabama; several nieces and nephews; and many friends. 

In addition to his parents and wife, Wade was predeceased by a son, David Wade Garland; and a brother, Dennis P. Garland. 

Family and friends may call from 4pm to 7pm on Friday,  October 11, 2024, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse and from 10am to 11am on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Portville Baptist Church, Temple Street, Portville, NY, where funeral services will follow at 11am with the Rev. Mark Beckwith, pastor, officiating.  Burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Wade’s name may be made to the Oswayo Valley Memorial Library, PO Box 188, Shinglehouse, PA 16748. 

Wade entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse. 

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Wade, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.