Paul “P.D.” David Wade

Paul David Wade (better known as PD) age 76, was called to Heaven on November 14, 2022. He was surrounded by his wife Debbie and daughter Kasi. PD was born in Joplin on September 26, 1946. He was the son of George and Rita Wade and grandson of long time Galena residents, Jack and Mary Wade. He attended the Galena Schools and graduated from Galena High in 1964. He was a member of the Galena football team and a boxer with the Galena Boxing Club.

PD served in the United States Navy from August 19, 1964, to November 22, 1967. While stationed at Corpus Christi Texas Naval Station he was a member of the naval station’s boxing team. He won many matches and at one tournament he was presented the ‘Fighter of the Night’ trophy by former Heavy Weight Champion, Rocky Marciano. PD was stationed on the aircraft carrier Enterprise CVN65 from November 19, 1966, to July 1967 off the coast of Vietnam. He catapulted aircraft from the carrier. Upon returning to civilian life, he became a truck driver. He worked for several companies throughout his 50-year span delivering freight to every state in the lower 48. Just like the navy, truck driving was an adventure to PD, not a job.

He enjoyed a wide variety of activities including fishing, hunting, golf and was a certified scuba diver. He especially enjoyed motorcycle riding, making yearly trips with his brothers and cousin, Jay Lewman. Their trips took them through 37 states including Oregon, the California Coast, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park and Washington DC. He also took a motorcycle trip to the Arctic Circle with three other friends. PD’s last trip in June 2020 to Tombstone was especially enjoyable. His daughter, Kasi, joined the group and rode her own bike. PD was a Mason, a member of the Elks Lodge, the American Legion, the VFW and Fraternal Order of the Eagles.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Jack and Mary Wade, maternal grandmother Pearl Port, his parents George and Rita Port-Wade-Jett and his stepfather Frank Jett, stepbrother Jimmy Jett and sister-in-law Connie Bankson Smith. Survivors include his wife Debbie Wade, stepson Keith Briggs (Brooke) and grandchildren, Trent and Trace. Daughter kasi Wade-Beeler (Jason) and grandchildren, Ava and Olivia. Brother Stan Wade (Jan), brother Phillip Wade and friend Marye, sister Joye Helm (Sam), brother-in-law Ken Bankson and Chet Smith as well as many nephews, nieces and stepbrothers.

A Celebration of Life will be held on December 11, 2022, at 2:00 in the Performing Arts Center, Galena High School, Galena, Kansas. Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory of Joplin, Mo.