Fernando Cadena, 40, of Columbus, Indiana, passed away following a single-vehicle accident shortly before 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2022.

Fernando’s character and integrity were shaped by a steadfast devotion to family. Born May 25, 1981, to Mariela Zuñiga and Gabriel Cadena, Fernando was raised in Bucaramanga, Colombia along with his brothers Alberto “Beto” (Maria Patricia “Mapis” Sampedro), Sergio “Yeyo” Cadena, and Alirio Cadena (Patricia Infante), all of Bucaramanga, Colombia.

On December 3, 2010, Fernando met the love of his life, Margaret “Meg” Perryman, originally from Minster, Ohio. They were married on June 8, 2013, and have two children, Isabella Marie (5) and Sebastian Gabriel (2), whose smiles and sweet temperaments are evidence of their daddy’s abiding love for them.

Fernando was cherished by his wife’s parents, Clif & Jane Perryman of Minster, Ohio and her siblings, Clif Perryman (Jenny) of Minster, Ohio; Emily Olson (Marc) of Dexter, Michigan; and Sarah Jones (Justin) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He also doted on his 14 nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his parents, brothers, wife, children, and countless family members and friends who will miss him beyond measure.

Beginning his education at Colegio San Pedro Claver, Fernando served briefly in the Colombian military and then followed his dreams to the United States in 2001. He attended the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Human Resources & Business Management, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Science in Business Analytics. One of his proudest accomplishments was to become an American citizen in 2017.

Fernando was a Management Consultant and Global Change Management Leader for Deloitte Consulting for the past three years. Previously, he was a Vice President for Elwood Staffing in Columbus, Indiana. His colleagues regarded him as a friend, and he had a life-changing impact on everyone he met. He truly exemplified what it means to be selfless, intentional in every interaction, and always striving to pay it forward.

As a proud member of the Latino community, Fernando was an advocate for historically marginalized populations. He served as a volunteer and mentor for Kelley School of Business Alumni Association, Columbus Young Professionals, and Sociedad Amigos de Colombia.

Fernando was bigger than life. Anyone who knew him saw a man who was genuine, endlessly charismatic, and quick to laugh. When he wasn’t loving his family, which he did so well, he had an immense passion for riding his motorcycle, golfing, researching the latest technology, reading, and flying. An aspiring aviator, Fernando loved traveling and had just begun studying and training for his pilot’s license.

Fernando was a faithful member of his church community, a true Christian, and the spiritual leader of his family. His faith was evident in the love he lavished on others. #FerLovedDeeply

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 4th at Terrace Lake Church, 4260 W 200 S in Columbus, Indiana, with Carey Edgren officiating. The family will receive guests at the church on Thursday, March 3rd from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Friday, March 4th from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memories and donations to support Fernando’s wife and family, are being collected at www.gatheringus.com.

The service will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend in person: https://terracelaketv.online.church/

Following the service, cremation is planned. Arrangements by Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home (barkesweaverglick.com)