Daniel "Dan" David Wade

Daniel D. Wade (Dan), 89, of Muncie, Indiana, passed away following an extended illness on Saturday, November 2, 2024. Dan was born August 8, 1935, to Hugh and Audie (Wheeler) Wade in Piggott, Arkansas.

Dan graduated from Muncie Central High School in 1953, where he was a member of Central’s band that won its’ first state fair championship. He was president of the band that year. He was also invited to play his trumpet with the band in 1954 when the band went to Washington D.C. and won the National Cherry Blossom Festival. During his high school years, he played taps for many funerals at Beech Grove Cemetery.

Dan loved baseball. He played Junior League baseball for the Elks until he was 15 years old and then played semi-pro ball.

After graduating high school, Dan attended Indiana Business College and received his 2-yr degree. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy on September 15, 1955. After basic training he served onboard the U.S.S. Newport News a heavy cruiser. In 1957, he was sent to the Pentagon.

Dan met his wife, Barbara Joan (Eber) in 1953. They were married in 1957 after he was stationed at the Pentagon and lived in Washington D.C.

After he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy, he worked for National Cash Register Company (NCR) for 35 years. In his retirement he drove the courtesy car for Stoops.

Dan played slow pitch softball for the Muncie Moose Lodge and other teams for 25 yrs.

He also loved to square dance and round dance. He and his wife Joan belonged to the Friendly Steppers Western Square Dance Club and Jewel Squares.

Dan loved to be around his family and friends and enjoyed helping others no matter what was needed, and especially in giving the greatest advice. Many have been blessed by his gratefulness, patience, compassion, sense of humor, and faith. Dan is deeply loved by so many and will be profoundly missed.

Dan is survived by his loving wife Barbara Joan of 67 years, their daughters Cynthia Quallo (Lee) and Beth Holland (Brad). Grandchildren Danielle Parker (Ryan), David Holland (Nicole). Great-Grandchildren Grace and Emerson Parker, and Colton Holland. He is also survived by his sisters, June Gourley (Tom), Jane Robertson (predeceased by Mike), Donna Ordille (Dave), brother-in-law Bob Leach, and brother-in-law Richard Eber (Janet), along with many nieces and nephews.

Dan was predeceased by his parents, his sister Jeannette Leach, and brother-in-law Mike Robertson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Dennis O’Keeffe at St. Lawrence Catholic Church at 11:00am on Friday, November 8th. Family and friends may call from 9:30am to 11:00am on Friday at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Burial will follow after mass at Elm Ridge Mausoleum. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Lawrence Catholic Church 820 E. Charles St., Muncie, IN, 47305.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.elmridgefuneralhome.com.