Wade E Burleson

Wade Eaheart Burleson, 97, went to be with the Lord on August 23, 2018. He was born in Willis, TX but soon moved to Albany, TX where he was raised as the youngest of 6 children born to Lola and Seth Burleson. He attended Texas Tech, Sam Houston State, University of Houston and Houston Conservatory of Music. He served in Naval Intelligence in World War II and retired from PPG Industries in 1980 after 41 years of employment.

He is preceded in death by his wife Ione Burleson, and life partner Leona Holloway.

He is survived by his two daughters from his first wife Edna (Sunshine), Glenda Harrison (husband Jerry) of Cypress, TX and Karen Johnson (husband Kent) of Highlands Ranch, CO; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, as well as two stepchildren, Joel Huck and Denise Ziegler of Houston.

An accomplished pianist, Wade loved the saying, “Life is like a piano-what you get out of it depends on how you play it." He learned to play the piano from his sister, Helen , who was the church pianist. Sit him down at a piano and he could play any song you asked for without notes. He played at countless churches and revivals and entertained at numerous social functions and nursing homes, He played with Bayland Ragtimers Ukulele Band and volunteered his time and talent all over the city. He was well known for his enthusiasm for life and great sense of humor.

Wade believed in a life of service to his community. He was a member of the Lions Club since 1959, having served in all capacities. He was also a Mason with the Bellville Lodge and Memorial Lodge in Houston, having served as District Deputy Grand Master in District 44 in 1990 and Grand Organist of the Grand Lodge of Texas in 2006. As a Thirty-Third Degree Member of the Scottish Rite, he was a two-time recipient of the Golden Trowel. Wade also volunteered at Memorial Southwest Hospital in the ICU waiting room for over 20 years. Yes, to Wade life was like a piano-he played it well.

A visitation, with refreshments served, will begin at 10:00am, followed by the funeral service at 12:00pm, on Monday, August 27, 2018, at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home. Interment will follow immediately at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.