Wade L. Nelson

Wade L. Nelson was born February 22, 1919 in Lehigh (near Coalgate) Oklahoma. He was often fond of saying, with a twinkle in his blue eyes, that George Washington was born on his birthday. He was the 9th child of Wade Levi Nelson, a Nazarene Minister, and Mamie Naomi Baldwin. Wade’s mother taught herself to read and write from the Bible. Wade was raised on a farm, and his eldest sister, Ethel, (out of 11 surviving children) was the Sergeant Major of the family. Ethel was quite tall, at least six feet, and anyone bothering her younger siblings would answer to her.

At an early age Wade had a keen interest in radio. He had built a crystal radio set, and one stormy night he was getting it ready to listen to whatever he could. His mother was cooking in the kitchen and reminded him to “ground that thing before you start”. Well, as he described it, when lightning struck a fireball swept through the kitchen and a huge crash was heard. His mother calmly said to Wade, “You didn’t ground that did you? Wade just replied, “no ma’am, I didn’t.”

As a child, Wade worked at a bicycle shop and also a radio repair shop, and on the farm, where of course there were stock. One of Wade’s favorite stories was told about the horse on the farm that would chase the children. Wade’s brother Boyd (twin of Floyd) told Wade that he would break that horse from chasing children. Boyd hid behind a tree and had Wade make the horse chase him toward Boyd. Boyd, with a large log, came from behind the tree and struck the horse on the nose as the horse ran by. Wade said that that horse never chased children again. Although their father questioned why the horse had a huge swelling on his nose both brothers disavowed any knowledge.

He was playing guitar in a band and his best friend Lloyd, told him he had a date with a lady, and she had a sister. So Wade decided it would be alright. Well not long after, Wade married Florene Ruby Stinson on July 12, 1941, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. And Lloyd married her sister, Jane Stinson. When Wade asked Ruby to marry him, her reply was "I thought you'd never ask."

Wade tried to volunteer for the Armed Services after Pearl Harbor, however was turned down due to foot problems. He had joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and while in Colorado, near Black Mountain his feet nearly froze. However, on September 10, 1942 he was inducted into the U.S. Army. After basic training he was trained as a radio operator on the B-24 Liberator at Sioux Falls, South Dakota. From Sioux Falls he was sent to Chanute Field, Illinois training there in electronics. His next training was in radar operation/repair that lasted until his discharge on October 29, 1945.

While serving for his country his daughter, Alice Naomi Nelson was born on August 5, 1942. His son Randal Arthur Nelson was born on February 17, 1945. Wade’s wife, Ruby and her family had travelled to Salem, Oregon prior to his son's birth. Upon having her son, Ruby and her immediate family travelled (by train) to Southern California, where Wade was at his last military station, March Field, in Riverside, California.

Wade’s Father-in-Law (Dewey Stinson) talked him into working with him at Norton Air Force Base as a plumber/steamfitter. Although Wade was set on being involved in electronics he worked with Dewey for several years. He then continued in the plumbing industry finally working for Franklin Plumbing as a journeyman plumber in every day plumbing issues. It did not take long for Wade to work up to supervisor, and he talked Mr. Franklin into letting him bid on new construction plumbing. Although reluctant, after the plumbing structures designed and constructed under Wade’s supervision and the first several homes were completed and profits realized, Mr. Franklin was jubilant.

During this time Wade was studying electronics nights and weekends under National Radio Institute. His hours of study paid off and after calling quits to plumbing he started his own business in home entertainment system sales and service, working in that industry for 56 years. He was a Certified Electronic Technician by the National Electronic Association and a member of the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians. He was also selected and approved as a trainer of apprentice electronic technicians.

His wife of over 49 years, Ruby Nelson passed away on November 21, 1990. She had worked with Wade in their business as sales/business manager, however during the last years of her life she had been quite ill. Wade closed his storefront business to be with his wife, however, worked from his home while caring for Ruby.

Wade remarried Meredith (Merry) Lynne Wampler on April 1, 1994 and moved to Apple Valley. Merry passed away on November 3, 2012. In January 2013 Wade moved to Seal Beach near his son Randy and his wife Debbie and his granddaughter Jeni Mari and her husband Joe.

While living in Seal Beach he met many new friends, and found new restaurants. Of course his favorite was The Hangout across from the Seal Beach Pier. What a great place to look at the pier, the ocean, and on a clear day, see Catalina Island. But it wasn’t the view Wade was interested in, it was his favorite meal, a chicken Caesar Salad usually served by his favorite waitress, Lori, a longtime friend of Randy and Debbie. Lori completed a genealogy for Wade dating back to the mid-1800’s inclusive of photographs of his siblings and parents. Wade was a whistler, he was whistling old songs, especially while he prepared his meals in his Seal Beach apartment. A neighbor lady, Linda, remarked to his son on several occasions that she loved to hear him whistle as it really brightened up her day. It seemed that Wade brightened up everyone’s day.

In August 2015 Wade suffered from serious illness and after 6 days in the hospital was placed in Seal Beach Rehabilitation where he remained until his death on May 20, 2016. While in Rehab he was visited by many friends and made many new friends.

He also shared the most amazing stories from his past and shared some old songs, including 'I'm yours' by Eddie Fisher, which he sang to Ruby all the time. One song that he would sing while being pushed around in rehab was Take Me For A Ride In A Car-Car, although the wording was changed from Car-Car to Wheel-Chair.

Another one of his favorites was the SMILE. LAUGH. GRIN. song.

It isn’t any trouble just to S–M–I–L–E, oh it isn’t any trouble just to S–M–I–L–E

So smile when you're in trouble, it will vanish like a bubble

if you'll only take the trouble just to S–M–I–L–E

It isn’t any trouble just to L–A–U–G–H, oh it isn’t any trouble just to L–A–U–G–H

So laugh when you're in trouble, it will vanish like a bubble

if you'll only take the trouble just to L–A–U–G–H

It isn’t any trouble just to G–R–I–N, grin, oh it isn’t any trouble just to G–R–I–N, grin

So grin when you're in trouble, it will vanish like a bubble

if you'll only take the trouble just to G–R–I–N, grin

Wade sang this the Monday before he passed, and a few other songs as well. His favorite Grand-daughter, Jeni Mari was able to record these moments.

Wade is survived by his son, Randy and daughter in law, Debbie. His granddaughter, Jeni Mari and grandson in law, Joe. His grandson, Dane and granddaughter in law, Brigitte.

Wade is with the love of his life, Ruby, pain free and flying high with the Angels. He will be loved and missed forever and NEVER forgotten.

Please visit the below website below to leave a message for Wade Nelson and his family.

http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Wade-Nelson&lc=4802&pid=180089097&mid=6939135&locale=en_US#

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a church or charity of your choice.