Eugene C. Spade, 90, of Warren, passed away surrounded by his loving family, late Saturday evening, December 4th, at his residence.
“Sam Spade” or “Jimmy”, as he was affectionately known, was born December 11, 1930 in Freedom, OH. the son of the late Christopher and Nella (Dutter) Spade.
He was a 1948 graduate of Freedom High School and was employed as a steel worker for Republic, later LTV-WCI Steel, for 38 years, retiring in 1993. He had also lived and worked for a time at the Ravenna Arsenal in 1952.
He married the former Lillian May Maurer on February 5, 1977. They shared almost 43 years of marriage and many happy memories together. She preceded him in death October 21, 2019.
Sam was active in auto racing in the 1950’s and was part of the Spade-Burns Racing Team. He had also been a member of the International Order of Odd Fellows in Newton Falls, where he served for a time as chaplain. He enjoyed watching football, NASCAR, old movies, and game shows. He also enjoyed building old crystal tube type radios, model airplanes, working on his cars, and maintaining his lawn.
He is survived by seven children; Deborah Rodhe (Tim) Sunderland, of Ravenna, Becky Dunavant, of Toledo, Robert Spade, of Cuyahoga Falls, Tobin (Julie) Spade, of Newton Falls, Stephanie (Charles) Snyder, of New Philadelphia, Sonia Spade (William Smith), of Ravenna, and Toni Spade (Jim) Burns, of Newton Falls. He also leaves behind two step-children; Brenda (Lloyd) Henderson, with whom he made his home, and Carol Gladd, both of Warren; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Besides his wife and parents, Sam was preceded in death by a daughter, Karol Oborn; two step-sons, Walter F. Cutshall, Jr. and Robert A. Cutshall; a daughter-in-law, Cathy Spade; a grandson, Tyler Spade; a sister, Sylvia Thogmartin; and the mother of his children, Dorothy Spade Egbert.
Funeral services will be held at noon Friday, December 10th, at the Carl W. Hall Funeral Home, 533 North Park Ave., Warren, with Pastor David Holbrook officiating.
Friends may call 10:00 AM to noon Friday at the funeral home.
He will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife in the Pine Knoll Cemetery, Warren Twp.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the family, MVI Hospice, or a charity of choice.
