Donald Lester Wade, 76, of Port Tobacco, MD, died February 8, 2009, at Anne Arundel Medical Center.

Mr. Wade was a Systems Administrator for 35 years with AT&T. He was a private single-engine airplane pilot and had owned several airplanes over his lifetime. He was qualified with land, sea, and instrument airplanes, a member of the International Comanche Society, and he was based out of Maryland Airport in Pomonkey, MD. He was also a member of the AOPA and The Telephone Pioneers of America. He was an avid hunter and horseman, a brilliant marine mechanic, and a football fan. He was a member of the NRA, National Parks Association, and a life partner of Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Society.

Born January 9, 1933, in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late William Lester Wade and the late Armenia Frances Windle Wade.

He is survived by his wife, Myrna M. Wade; son, Brian Wade of Apalachin, NY; daughters, Farlee and her husband Glenn Wade-Farber of Silver Spring, MD; Allison and her husband David Russell of Lewis Center, OH; and Shelly and her husband Pierre Tenneroni of Lignol, France. Also survived by eight grandchildren.

Visitation will be Sunday, February 15, 2009, from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at Raymond Funeral Chapel, La Plata, MD.

Funeral service will be Monday, February 16, 2009, at 10 AM at La Plata United Methodist Church. Rev. Bruce Jones will officiate.

Interment will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made CaringBridge at www.caringbridge.org, Melvin George Beckman Foundation (C/OJohns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD), or Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Society.

Arrangements provided by Raymond Funeral Service.