Thomas Wade

Mr. Thomas Riley Wade, 57, of Hewitt went Home to be with the Lord on Monday, Nov. 13, 2006, in a Waco hospital, after battling brain cancer. Thomas was born July 9, 1949 in Houston, the son of Thomas R. and Katybel Wade. He grew up in Bay City, Texas where he played football and many of his friends still reside there. He graduated high school in Pascagoula, Mississippi. He served in the United States Navy from Oct. 24, 1967 to July 30, 1971, and was the recipient of the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and left the military with an Honorable Discharge. He attended TSTI where he received a degree in Ornamental Horticulture in 1983. He was also a licensed irrigator in the state of Texas. He owned two businesses, Liberty Farms in Speegleville, which is an oak tree farm, and Wade?s Landscaping located in Hewitt. He was established in business among many homeowners and businesses in the west Waco area and was loved by his friends and associates. He and his beloved Judy were married for 27 1/2 years and were members of the Columbus Avenue Baptist Church in Waco. He was an accomplished pianist who enjoyed playing for family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Hallie Gail Hart. He is survived by his wife, Judy; sons, Thomas R. Wade, Jr. and wife, Dana, of Palestine and Stephen Eric Ricky Wade of Fort Worth; two grandchildren, Kelsee and Kamden; step-son, Charles Robert Wittmer of Fort Worth; two sisters-in-law, Helen Ruth Jackson and Carolyn Joan Bilderback and husband, Ted Donnell; and many nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society 1311 North New Rd. Waco, TX 76710.