Wallace W. Wadsworth

Wallace “Wally” Wendell Wadsworth, 83, of New Carlisle, Ohio, passed away surrounded by the love of family and friends on Sunday, June 7, 2026. Born in Dayton, Ohio, on August 26, 1942, he was the son of Guy and Violette Wadsworth. Raised in Kettering, Wally graduated from Fairmont High School before pursuing a lifelong commitment to education. He earned an associate degree from Lindsey Wilson Junior College, a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Kentucky State College, a master’s degree from Ball State University, and completed additional coursework at Wright State University. On June 18, 1965, Wally married the love of his life, Patricia (McDowell) Wadsworth. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, and service. In 1968, they moved to New Carlisle when Wally joined Tecumseh Local Schools. For three decades, he taught history—especially Ohio History—at New Carlisle Junior High/Middle School and served as middle school athletic director. Even after retirement, he continued shaping young lives as a substitute teacher at Tecumseh High School. Wally was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church of New Carlisle, where he served as a trustee, participated on the Education Committee, volunteered at church bazaars, and helped make the church’s famous caramel candy. He was also active in the church euchre club, Gideons International, the New Carlisle Breakfast Optimist Club, and the New Carlisle Historical Society. He was proud to be named an Honorable Kentucky Colonel. Known for his quick wit and favorite phrase, “Have you heard about…?”, Wally loved making people laugh. He enjoyed music, garage sales, church and estate sales, western movies, Jeopardy, reading the Springfield and Dayton newspapers, golfing, and following sports. He faithfully cheered for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Cincinnati Bengals, Cincinnati Reds, Dayton Flyers, Wright State Raiders, and Tecumseh Arrows. Wally loved traveling, whether it was a cross-country adventure or a simple day trip. He especially treasured summer visits to Anna Maria Island, Florida. He seemed to have a knack for good fortune, often winning drawings, contests, and prizes. More than anything, however, he cherished time with his family. He took great pride in attending his grandchildren’s activities and was known for his patience, kindness, and willingness to teach—especially when it came to helping his grandchildren learn to drive. Wally was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia Wadsworth, and by Marc Jennings, who was like a son to him. He is survived by his son, Ken (Sherri) Wadsworth of Shelbyville, Kentucky; daughter, Jenny (Jeff) Collins of New Carlisle, Ohio; grandchildren Brandy (Pete), Caleb (Ashlynn), Alaina (Stephen), and Zack; great-grandson Charlie; longtime companion and caregiver Diane Jennings; brother-in-law Dave (Kim) McDowell of Parkersburg, West Virginia; best friend Tom (Sally) Howe; and many other family members, friends, former students, and all whose lives he touched. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of New Carlisle. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at New Carlisle Cemetery. The family would like to thank Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ReStore Clothing Ministry at Restoration Park Church. Wally’s legacy of laughter, dedication to education, love of family, and service to his community will be remembered always.