William Hart Wade II

William Hart Wade II, age 79, passed away January 7, 2026, in Austin, TX, after a brief illness. He was born September 21, 1946 in Madison, WI, to William Hart and LaVerne Reinke Wade. Bill spent most of his childhood years in Kansas City, MO, becoming a diehard Chiefs fan. A natural athlete, he excelled at all sports in his youth. In 1968 he graduated from Bethany College, Kansas, with a B.A. in History. At Bethany, he was captain of both the basketball and baseball teams. He was also a class officer and a member of Pi Sigma Chi fraternity.

On a road trip with friends to Denver, CO, in 1970, Bill met his future wife, Kathy. They married in 1972 and began their odyssey as corporate nomads. They lived in ten different cities, making lifelong friendships along the way. In 1977 they welcomed their son, Billy, and in 1981, daughter, Jennifer.

Bill’s career in the insurance industry included 17 years with Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, concluding as Resident Vice President in San Antonio, TX; Resident Vice President of Commercial Union Insurance Company, One Beacon Insurance Company and CGU Insurance Company in Dallas, TX; and Director of Insurance Programs at Independent Insurance Agents of Texas in Austin. After retirement Bill consulted in the insurance industry for 6 years. He held the designations of CPCU and CIC.

Bill was known for his engaging smile and quick wit. He was most proud of his children and grandchildren, whom he loved fiercely. Bill is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kathy, of Austin; son William Wade III (Maria) and grandchildren Luke and Evie, of Copenhagen, Denmark; daughter Jennifer Kemeny (Thomas) and granddaughter Jane of Austin; and sister Ginger Wade (Ed Riegert) of Crossville, TN.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 5416 Parkcrest Drive, Austin, TX 78731. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society or the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) (https://secure.everyaction.com/uEXr_TqeBkqmQMlvi7itXg2), or charity of your choice.