Donald E. Wade

He was born in Grover Hill, Ohio to Charles Ishum Wade and Ora Bell (Tomlinson) Wade, the youngest of six children on October 17, 1932. At the age of 4, his family moved to Van Wert, Ohio. He graduated from Van Wert High School in 1950. He attended Olivet Nazarene University in Kankakee, Illinois for one year. In 1952 he enlisted in the Air Force. He was stationed in Washington State, Pusan, Korea, Minneapolis, San Angelo, Misawa, Japan, and San Antonio, Texas. He spent 14 years active duty and 8 years in Reserves before retiring from the Air Force as MSGT. After retiring he spent the rest of his life in San Antonio.

While stationed in Minneapolis he met Mary Louise (Lou) Pittman, his love and partner of 67 years. They were wed on June 29, 1957 in the Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Minneapolis. While in Minneapolis a daughter Lori arrived, a son Greg was born in Misawa, Japan and daughter Jackie was born in San Antonio (the only true Texan in the family).

After retiring from the Air Force he worked in many different areas of employment. After reaching retirement age, he was finally able to do his lifelong dream of opening The Second Hand Store which with the help of his wife operated for 10 years. Then, the opportunity arose to do estate sale liquidation which they did for over 10 years. At the age of 85, he finally retired due to his health declining.

He was part of the Van Wert Church of the Nazarene from the age of 4, Spring Lake Park church of the Nazarene, Spring Lake Park, Mn., San Angelo Church of Nazarene, and a longtime member of San Antonio First Church of the Nazarene. He was very devoted to his God and his church, serving in many capacities. It was very important to him that every kid that wanted to go attend camp received financial help if needed doing a fundraiser for several years. He was known as the "Bubble Gum Man". Kida made a point to search him out on Sunday mornings after church to receive a piece of bubble gum. In the late 60's he was instrumental in starting and working the bus ministry.

He was president of the local Youth for Christ for two years. During this time he hosted Johnny Cash who was on tour promoting his movie, "Gospel Road". He obtained an autograph for his mom as she admired Johnny Cash.

Thanksgiving Day dinner was a big family time for the Wade clan. This was Grandma Wade's Christmas Party with surprise gifts for everyone with Santa Claus. There could be as many as 45 attend.

Family was very important to him. He was very proud of the accomplishments of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He, with his wife, sometimes family, loved to travel doing road trips, tours, and cruises. A few of the highlights were a two week tour of Russia and a trip through Greece, Turkey, the Holy Land and Egypt. When the children were young, in the summer he would hook up the travel trailer and we would head out for a two week road trip.

He is survived by his wife Mary Lou; daughter Lori Wade Calkins (Tim) of Grand Prairie, TX; son Greg Wade (Carol) of Mansfield, TX; daughter Jackie Wade Beard (Jeff) of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren Jessica Johnson (Josh), Taylor Head (Kaitlyn), Laurel West (David), and Sam Calkins; great grandchildren Lyla and Revy Johnson, Nolan, Asher, Grayson, Judson, Charity West, and Lainey Head; sister-in-law Vivian Wade, and many nieces and nephews.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Ora Wade; brothers Frank, Maynard, and Bill Wade; sisters Juanita Wade Stewart (Jim) and Roselyn Wade Eagle (Glenn); nieces Penny Barker and Marjorie Zuercher; as well as nephews David Eagle and Merdith Wade.

A visitation for Donald will be held Wednesday, December 4, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Sunset North Funeral Home, 910 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, TX 78232. A celebration of life will occur Thursday, December 5, 2024 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at San Antonio First Church (SAF Church), 10715 West Ave, San Antonio, TX 78213 with a funeral procession to follow for a committal service at 2:30 PM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209.