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Submitted: 4/30/24 • Approved: 4/30/24 • Last Updated: 5/3/24 • R1530542-G0-S3
July 17, 1953 - June 30, 2005
Married Bennie Carol Burgess on May 18, 1974
"Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before His presence with singing. Psalm 100:2"
Obituary
Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home
Monticello, Arkansas
Richard Len Wade, 51, of Monticello died Thursday, June 30, 2005, after a long battle with diabetes. Born July 17, 1953, to E. R. and Vernal Wade of Alton, IL, he played tuba as a proud member of the "Marching 100" at Alton High School. He was very active in the youth group and youth choir of Calvary Baptist Church.
He came to Arkansas to attend Ouachita Baptist University where he was a member of the band, Phi Mu Alpha Simfonia Music Fraternity, and participated in Baptist Student Union revival teams across the state. He graduated in 1975 with degrees in religion and philosophy.
His ministries included music, youth and senior adults at Hampton First Baptist Church, Hamburg First Baptist Church, Northeast Baptist Church in Texarkana, Rosedale Baptist and Life Line Baptist Church in Little Rock, Dumas First Baptist Church and Second Baptist Church in Monticello.
He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church. He took groups across the country to minister to others through Bible schools, music and outreach.
He was an active member of the Arkansas MasterSingers, and his trip to Germany with them was one of the highlights of his life. In Monticello, he served as a Babe Ruth Baseball coach, member and president of the Youth Council, and member and president of the Optimist Club. He served as the voice of the Billies for many years.
Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Bennie Carol Burgess Wade; a daughter, Ellen Wade; his siblings, Mary and Jim Hayes and Randy and Jeannie Wade, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Richard Benjamin Wade; his parents, and his brothers, Bill and Ronnie Wade.
Funeral services were at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 2, in the Immanuel Baptist Church with Rev. LaDon Chancellor officiating. Burial followed services at the Promise Baptist Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements were by Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home of Monticello.
Contributed on 4/30/24 by deltabelle55
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Record #: 1530542