Wade T Freese

Wade passed away at his home in Gonzales, LA, on June 25, 2024 at the age of 76. Wade was born May 20, 1948, in New Orleans, LA, to John Calvin Freese Sr. and Alberta Ida (Romero) Freese. He was the third of what would become a family of 13 children.

When Wade was young, his father was transferred to Olathe Naval Air Station and the family moved to Overland Park, Kansas. Wade attended Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Grade School and graduated from Bishop Miege High School in 1967.

Wade enjoyed fishing with his brothers at South Lake. He and his brothers would sneak into the private property to fish and at times avoid the very large snapping turtles. In the winter, Wade also enjoyed hunting for wild rabbits on the vast farmland that extended miles beyond the Freese backyard. Wade had a sense of fashion. He was always stylish, well dressed and had a presence about him.

After high school, Wade enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve his country in the Vietnam War. His life was marked by a distinguished Military service. Wade served valiantly as a Combat Infantryman with the 2d Bn 50th Armed Division. He suffered injuries that required hospitalization in Japan. One of Wade’s most cherished moments was being visited in the hospital by Miss America. Due to his injuries, he was awarded the Purple Heart.

When Wade returned to the United States he settled in New Orleans, working for the City as a Housing Inspector, while attending Delgado College in the evenings. He later moved to Golden Meadow, LA and did some shrimping. When he lived in New Orleans he had cats, and a pet pig when he lived in the country.

Wade suffered from the effects of Agent Orange and PTSD. This led him to be very active with organizations that supported veterans, especially the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) serving as a Chaplain. He was a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and served as its state Americanism Officer. Wade received a citation for being the State Essay Committee Chairman on “Responsibilities and Advantages of Good Citizenship.” He was a lifelong member of and served on the Board of the (FCBA) Fireman’s Charitable & Benevolent Association, New Orleans, LA.

Wade was a historian. He loved America and enjoyed learning its history. He also took great pride in tracking his own events and history within American History. Wade was a fisherman and enjoyed reading, writing and had a great appreciation of the arts. Wade’s writing included his experiences in Vietnam and other topics. Wade was an avid collector of war memorabilia with an emphasis on the Civil War.

Throughout his life Wade would visit his family in Kansas and help his parents. He was always a helpful presence to his grandparents, aunt, and uncle who lived in New Orleans.

Wade is survived by his brothers and sisters, Albert Freese, Seal Beach, CA, Theodore (Teddy) Freese (Laura Ditta) Lenexa, KS, Anna Hilleary (Jamey), Mission, KS, Elizabeth (Betty) Watkins (Bill), Rocheport, MO, Lorraine Carney (Brent), Lakewood, WA, Barbara Tomlinson (Ralph), Overland Park, KS, Alberta Joy Chibnall, St. Louis, MO, Sylvia Freese, Lawton, OK and David Freese, Dallas, TX. Wade also leaves many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Alberta Freese, brothers John Freese Jr., Robert Freese, sister Mary Westall and his beloved dog, Heidi.

The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to Roger Blanchard, Gonzales, LA for his friendship and devotion given to Wade.

A service honoring Wade’s life and legacy, followed by his burial, will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, on October 28, 2024 at 11:00 am. Memorial services will be scheduled in Kansas and Louisiana at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Disabled American Veterans at ‘help.dav.org’ honoring Wade’s commitment to fellow veterans. Wade’s life of service to his family and his country will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.