DeWane Eldon Eichenauer, age 88, of Sidney, Ohio, passed away Thursday, June 26, 2025.     Born on December 22, 1936 at Otis Hospital in Celina, OH, he was the oldest of four children of the late Edgar Lowell and Ina Wyona (Britton) Eichenauer. He grew up on a farm in Mercer County and graduated from Rockford High School in 1954.

On Saturday, June 14, 1958, DeWane married his sweetheart Sarah (Enyart) Eichenauer in Celina, Ohio. He is survived by his wife and their four children: Timothy (Diana) Eichenauer of Sylvania, OH, Todd (Miriam) Eichenauer of Manila, the Philippines, Melanie (Robert Patrick) Frew of Madeira, OH, and Jill (Scott) Abbott of Dublin, OH. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren: Christina (Brandon) Clay, Britton (James) Witter, Kirsten Borne, Samantha (Carlos) Avendano, Daniel Eichenauer, David Eichenauer, Hilary (Luke) Haines, Mykahla Frayer, Alana (Kyle) Jenkins, Heidi Eichenauer, Callie (Nathaniel) Williams, Cassidy Frew, Joshua (Kayla) Eichenauer, and Katrina (Bryce) Gossel, as well as 12+ great grandchildren: Clover Borne, Elliott Borne, Niko Haines, Ethan Witter, Tessa Borne, Evan Clay, Natalie Witter, Logan Clay, Ramona Jenkins, William Gossel, Theodore Gossel, Ori Avendano, and another Jenkins expected next month. In addition, he is survived by two brothers and one sister: Hubert William (Constance) Eichenauer, Larry Leslie (Mary) Eichenauer, and Sharon Glee (Gary) Moore, and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.

In 1956, he graduated from International Business College, Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he majored in Professional Accounting. He first worked as an accountant at General Motors in Detroit, MI, and later at Magnavox in Fort Wayne, IN. In August of 1960, he, Sarah, and their 11-month-old son Tim, moved to Sidney, Ohio where he was employed first at LeRoi and then at the Stolle Corporation, where he worked as a cost accountant for 35 years.

After their move to Sidney, he and his family joined Memorial E. U. B. Church (later Memorial United Methodist), where he served as treasurer and Sunday School Superintendent. In 1982, he became an active member of Sidney First Methodist Church, where he volunteered in several areas, including the Missions, Outreach, and Membership committees. He went on mission trips to Tampa, FL and the Appalachian area of southern Ohio. DeWane loved his church family and sharing God's love by helping others. He and his wife Sarah sponsored more than 20 children in Ecuador, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Zambia, and the Philippines for the past 35 years.

From growing up on a farm, he enjoyed working on the lawn and gardening. He also liked attending baseball games and watching sports on television. He was especially fond of the Indians/ Guardians, as well as the Browns, Reds, Cavaliers, and the Ohio State Buckeyes. His favorite pastime was playing games with friends and family, in particular, bowling, Pinochle, and Rummikub.

DeWane retired from the Stolle Corporation in September, 1997. In retirement, he and his wife Sarah traveled the country in a diesel Holiday Rambler motor home. They spent 9 winters in Florida and one in Arizona and made many friends along the way. In total, they visited all 50 states, over 20 national parks, and 23 countries.

More than anything else, DeWane/Dad/Grandpa will be remembered for his love - for his Savior, his family, and his friends.

A service to honor his life will be held Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 12 P.M. at Sidney First Methodist Church, 230 East Poplar Street, Sidney, OH with the Rev. Jane Madden officiating. Burial will follow the service at Graceland Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 A. M. until the time of the service.

Memorials may be made to the Missions fund at Sidney First Methodist Church. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cromesfh.com.