Service Saturday for Gerald Wade

Gerald Wade was born on March 14, 1936 in Weleetka, Oklahoma to Kenneth and Jean Wade and passed from this life on June 29, 2022 in Tyler, Texas. He was 86 years old. He attended Weleetka Public School where he made many friends and played high school football, graduating in 1954. He enlisted in the US Air Force that year and served in London, England until 1958. Upon returning to the United States, he attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture.

He met and married Joyce L. Funk in 1958 and settled in Weleetka to raise a family. Together, he and Joyce raised 2 children, Kelly Dawn and Jay David Wade. As a family, they attended Weleetka First Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon until Joyce’s passing in 1983. He married Wanda Jo Benson in 1984, and they eventually settled in Tyler, Texas until his passing.

Gerald worked for Elanco Products Company as an Agricultural Consultant for many years until he retired in 1993. He enjoyed the love and friendship of his Elanco family, keeping in touch with most of them through the years.

He enjoyed several hobbies, including fishing, hunting, reading and travel. He was an avid gardener, and this was his passion in retirement. He and Jo enjoyed sharing the fruits (and vegetables) of his labor with family, friends and neighbors.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Joyce Wade, as well as his second wife Jo Wade and stepdaughter, JoLynne Higganbotham.

He is survived by a loving family: children, Kelly King and husband William; Jay Wade and Tracy Wade; stepchildren Bryan Benson and wife Ann; Laura Haddox and husband Mike; son-in-law Chris Higganbotham. Grandchildren, Lindsay Horn and husband Aaron; Nicholas King and wife Jenn; Teddi White and husband Russell; Marshall Wade; Andrew Benson; Emily Walsh and husband Tryston; Sarah and Haley Higganbotham; Molly and Abby Haddox. Great grandchildren: Wade Boehm, Shelby, Brett and Emry Horn; Landon, Tyler and Colby King; Grayson and Maggie Benson; Benson, Baker and Bryton Walsh; Aaron and Liam Hood.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 9 at 10:00am at Williamson-Spradlin Funeral Home in Wetumka, Oklahoma. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Weleetka, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American