Edwin L. Wade, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, educator, and pastor, passed away peacefully on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024, at the age of 95. He was born on April 16, 1929, at the family home in Manes, Missouri.
Edwin's life was a testament to faith, hard work, and devotion to service. He worked a variety of jobs in his early years, including “putting up hay,” teaching in a one-room schoolhouse, assembling aircraft at Hugh’s Aircraft, and repairing watches and televisions. He also served as a U.S. postal worker before answering the call to preach at the age of 34. In response to this divine calling, Edwin moved his family across the country to Vancouver, Washington, where he became the pastor of a small church. He would go on to serve as pastor in Wenatchee, Washington, and Garden Grove, California, while also completing both his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees.
In 1973, Edwin was offered a teaching position at what is now Randall University in Moore, Oklahoma. He soon rose to the position of Academic Dean and was later named President of the institution. During his presidency, Edwin was honored with an honorary Doctorate of Divinity in recognition of his lifetime of accomplishments in ministry and education. Following his retirement, Edwin served on staff of Calvary Church in Norman for over 30 years. His influence touched the lives of countless pastors, missionaries, and Christian educators who, inspired by his mentorship, have spread the Gospel around the world.
Edwin married his high school sweetheart, Donna Faye, in a union that was built on love, faith, and mutual respect. Together, they were blessed with two children, Joy Wade Kilgore (Tag) and Michael Wade (Jeannene). He is survived by his children, their spouses, five grandchildren Jason Kilgore (Robin) Jeremy Kilgore (Michelle) and Sara Kilgore; Jennifer Osborn (Mark) Michael Ryan Wade (Cat); seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. Edwin is also survived by his three sisters, Nadine Hart (Leonard – deceased), Imogine Key (Billy), and Kay Robertson (Bill – deceased).
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna, his parents Hobart and Ressie Wade Hurley, his brothers Gary Hurley (Barbara – surviving) and Johnny Hurley (Nadine).
His extended family members, include Ausber L. Broyles (Ruby – both deceased), Thomas Broyles (Linda), and Bill Broyles (Theresa).
A Tribute of Honor will be held at Calvary Church, 3730 North Porter Avenue in Norman, Oklahoma, on Tuesday, December 31, at 10:00 AM, followed by a graveside committal at Sunset Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Primrose Funeral Home at 1109 North Porter in Norman on Monday, December 30, from 6:30–8:00 PM for those wishing to greet them.
Edwin’s legacy lives on through the lives he touched with his ministry, teachings, and example of love and service. His family and friends take comfort in the knowledge that he is now with his Savior and reunited with his beloved Donna.
The family requests that donations be made in Edwin's memory to Randall University Edwin and Donna Wade Scholarship.
A visitation for Edwin will be held Monday, December 30, 2024 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Primrose Funeral Service, 1109 North Porter Ave, Norman, OK 73071. A a tribute of honor will occur Tuesday, December 31, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Calvary Church, 3730 N Porter Ave, Norman, OK 73071.
