Donald Wade Catlin

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald Wade Catlin, lovingly known as Wade, who left us on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the age of 61. Wade was born on September 11, 1963, in Salisbury, MD, and raised in the close-knit community of Mardela Springs, where he lived his life. Wade graduated from Mardela High School with the class of 1981 and embarked on a career dedicated to helping others. His heart truly belonged to public service. For 20 years, he served as a paramedic with the City of Salisbury and was a proud lifetime member of the Mardela Springs Volunteer Fire Company, where he touched many lives with his kindness and bravery. He went on to work for Crop Productions in Seaford and Pocomoke and was currently working as a dedicated professional driver for Culpeper Wood Preservers in Federalsburg. In his free time, Wade loved to hunt, particularly for ducks and geese, and could often be found putting his woodworking skills to good use, crafting beautiful butcher blocks, cabinets, and hope chests for family and friends. His heart was as big as his talents, and he always found time for loved ones. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Michele “Missy” Catlin, his devoted mother, Joan Catlin, and his cherished sister, Crystal Lynn Catlin White, along with her husband, Mark. Wade adored his nieces and goddaughters – Ashlynn Marie Deutsch and her husband, Hunter, and their son Wyatt, Ally Albert and her husband, Nick, and their daughter, Nora, and Kate Melvin. Wade was also blessed with a close-knit family, including a special uncle who was like a second father to him, Bill Catlin and his wife Nancy. He will be missed by many aunts and uncles, including Esther and Joseph Dwyer, Maria Vandiver, John Wright, Jr., Eleanor and Edward Schells, David Burton and Linda Wright Campbell, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins, his niece, Nicki Howard and her husband Donovan and sister-in-law Beverly Rhodes. Wade was preceded in death by his father, Wallace Glenn Catlin; aunt, Joyce Burton, uncle, Marvin Wright, and grandparents, Mary Louise Catlin Scott, Wilmer Catlin, John H. Wright, Sr. and Edith R. Wright. A celebration of life will take place on Monday, January 27, 2025, at the Mardela Springs Volunteer Fire Department, starting at 11:00 AM. Prior to the service, family and friends are invited for a visitation at the same location beginning at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Mardela Springs Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 299, Mardela Springs, MD 21837 or to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.

Donald Wade Catlin

September 11, 1963 - January 18, 2025