Kenneth Forrester Wade

Kenneth Forrester Wade, 86, of Kingsport, TN, passed away February 27, 2015 at Holston Valley Medical Center. He was born on May 24, 1928 in Pennington Gap, VA, son of the late George W. Wade and Nell Forrester Wade.

Kenneth “Gap” Wade graduated from Blountville High School. He later joined the United States Army in 1950, serving a total of 28 months, with 18 months in Germany. Upon completion of his military service, Mr. Wade went to work at Holston Defense Corporation, in 1953, as a member of the fire department. In 1961, he went to work for Tennessee Eastman and worked there until his retirement in 1987 after serving 12 years as Fire Chief.

Mr. Wade was a member of Bloomingdale Baptist Church, where he joined as a young man. He was a charter member of Bloomingdale Ruritan Club. Mr. Wade was also elected as a Sullivan County Commissioner, representing the 10th District, for 2 terms. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #688, Eastern Star Liberty Chapter #198. Mr. Wade was also a charter member of the Jericho Shrine Club Jester Unit #83 and Marching Patrol.

Mr. Wade had also been a member of the American Legion since 1953 and was also a member of the Kingsport Moose Lodge and VFW.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Wade is preceded in death by brothers, George Wade and Bruce Wade; and sisters, Jean Wade Reichner, and Annette Armstrong.

Survivors of Kenneth Wade include his wife Jewell Phillips Wade; daughter, Rebecca (Becky) Mohr; son-in-law, Doug Mohr; grandson, Dustin Mohr; granddaughter, Brooke Mohr; sister, Joyce Casey; numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

The family will receive friends on Monday, March 2, 2015 at East Lawn Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will follow at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel of East Lawn Funeral Home with Rev. Phil Whittamore and Rev. Joe Byrd officiating. Masonic services will be conducted by #688.

Military graveside service will be held Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. in the Garden of Apostles of East Lawn Memorial Park. Military honors will be rendered by American Legion Post #3 and Post #265. Pallbearers will be Doug Mohr, Dustin Mohr, Chris Ketron, Jeff Ketron, Kenneth (Kenny) Wade, David Wade, and Bobby Reichner. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Jericho Patrol.

Online condolences may be left for the family of Kenneth F. Wade by visiting www.eastlawnkingsport.com.

East Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Kenneth Wade.