William Z. Wade, 84, of Goodyear, AZ., died October 24th, 2012. Bill was born March 19, 1928, in Kelso, WA. to Mary and J. Ernest Wade. He attended Avondale Elementary School and was a graduate of Litchfield High School. He served two years in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged. He attended Northern University, where he met his wife of 62 years, Romona Osterfeld, whom he married on December 11, 1949. After marrying Romona, Bill started farming with his father. He farmed from 1949 to 1988. After retiring from farming, Bill and Romona would spend their summers in Dolores, CO., where Romona’s family homestead originated.
In 1957, Bill devoted his life to Christ and became a member of the First Southern Baptist Church of Buckeye. Subsequently, four years later, he moved to Goodyear and began attending the First Southern Baptist Church of Avondale, AZ.
Bill was involved with numerous organizations. He was head of the deacon body at First Southern Baptist Church, Avondale, AZ. In addition, he was a member and president of the Phoenix Baptist Hospital Board, as well as being a member and president of the Avondale School Board. Additionally, he served on the Acme Gin Board. Mr. Wade was also affiliated with the Gideon’s organization.
He is survived by his wife Romona, his son, Lanny Wade of Goodyear, his son and daughter-in-law, Terry and Betty Wade of Goodyear, and a daughter, Gail Antunez of Goodyear. In addition, he is survived by 7 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
A visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 10:00 am on Saturday, November 3rd, 2012 at First Southern Baptist Church in Avondale with the service to begin at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery in Phoenix, AZ.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Valley, or First Southern Baptist Church of Avondale, AZ. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com .
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6