Ronald Herbert Francis Shade

Ronald Herbert Francis Shade April 18, 1942 – April 27, 2025 Ronald “Ron” Herbert Francis Shade passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 27th, 2025, at the age of 83, surrounded by his beloved wife and daughter. A man of quiet strength, deep intelligence, and boundless curiosity, Ron was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on April 18, 1942—the same day as the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo, as he loved to recall, linking his birth to a pivotal moment in history. Ron was the son of the late Raymond and Rita (Miller) Shade and was preceded in death by his sister, Kathleen “Kathy” S. Lewis. From an early age, Ron showed a love of history and learning that would remain a lifelong passion. Museums, military exhibitions, historic sites, and stacks of books were never far from him—interests he joyfully passed on to his wife and two daughters. At just 17, Ron enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1959, serving as a signals analyst. His military service took him across the globe, including to Germany and Japan, experiences that deeply shaped his worldview. After eight years of service he separated honorably, earning the nickname “Little Bear” and the rank of Staff Sergeant. He then earned a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Houston. Ron worked in data analytics at IBM in accounts receivable in Houston, where he met the love of his life, Temmie, through a mutual friend. They were married on July 22, 1978, beginning a partnership built on mutual respect, laughter, and shared intellectual pursuits. He went on to earn a master’s degree in Library Sciences from North Texas State University. His professional journey also included work with various libraries and the National Security Agency, combining analytical rigor with a deep sense of duty. Throughout their life together, Ron and Temmie raised their family while living in Texas, New York, Georgia, Hawaii, and Maryland. Ron cherished being a “girl dad” to his daughters, Stephanie and Stacey. He was always ready with a funny face, silly voice, or imaginative game to make his daughters—and later his granddaughters—laugh. He adored trains, jigsaw puzzles, and quiet moments spent with those he loved most. Ron is survived by his wife, Dr. Temmie Shade; his sister and brother-in-law, Laura and Mike O’Connor; daughters Stephanie Shade and Stacey Shade-Ware; son-in-law Russ Ware; and granddaughters Gabrielle and Bren Shade-Ware. A memorial gathering will be held at The Meeting House / Oakland Mills Interfaith Center, 5885 Robert Oliver Pl, Columbia, MD 21045 in Room 100, on Saturday, May 10th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Interment with military honors will take place at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 1122 Sunrise Beach Rd, Crownsville, MD 21032, on Monday, May 12th at 12:15 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations in memory of Ron Shade be made to: • Maryland Public Television, https://www.mpt.org/donate • Habitat for Humanity, https://www.habitat.org/support • Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, https://grassrootscrisis.org/donate/ Ron returned to the stars with the same quiet grace and dignity that marked his life. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Ronald Herbert Francis Shade

April 18, 1942 - April 27, 2025