Obituary of Franklin Wade

Franklin Roosevelt Wade of Roanoke, died suddenly at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital on Friday March 28, 2014. Frank was born August 26, 1934 in Emporia, Kansas the sixth child of Vera Elsa Bergman Wade, and William Montgomery Wade. The family later moved to Topeka, KS for a brief time and then on to Spencer, West Virginia, where Frank grew up. He was preceded in death by his parents and some of his siblings, Marshall Bergman Wade, Bettie Helena Wade Heasley, Virginia Lee Wade, and William Richard Wade. He is survived by one sibling, Louella Mae Wade. Also he is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Jean Hevener Wade, whom he married on January 25, 1962 in the Christ Episcopal Church in Winchester, Virginia. Frank and Jean welcomed their first child, a daughter, Kristine Vera Wade, born in Winchester, soon after her birth, they moved to Virginia Beach, where their second child, a son, Scott Andrew was born. Then subsequently they all moved to the Roanoke Valley in 1970. Along with his wife and children, Frank is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Marjorie Phillips Wade, wife of Scott, and his six grandchildren, Whitney, Tawny, Jennifer, Andrea, Katrina and Gregory; four great grandchildren Derek, Dustin ,Jennifer and Milaneia. He is furthered survived by his adult "adoptees", Timothy and Sieglinde (Linda) Knick. Frank graduated from Spencer High School in Roane County, West Virginia in 1952 and then attended Marshall University. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, being honorably discharged in 1961. He went to work as an Electronic Technician for Western Union, working for them until his retirement in 1985. Was a member of the United Telegraph Workers, Western Union Division, Local #15 in Norfolk, Virginia before relocating to Roanoke County. Frank however always considered himself to be a West Virginian at heart. Frank's greatest love in life, other than his family, was his four legged family. He always had a doggie buddy at his heels, and he leaves behind his faithful buddy, Sam. Frank is dearly loved by all and will be greatly missed. Frank was a great kidder, regaling his children and grandchildren with stories of walking to school in Spencer, in snow up to the fence post, and uphill both ways. With handful of rice in one hand, and an egg in the other, for lunch because there was a depression and the hard times were upon him. Of course, most of the time he was always walking barefoot. They finally got wise to him especially during his tales of fighting in "The Great Icelandic Wars". Frank was a diehard West Virginia University fan as well as the Washington Redskins, his second favorite team. He loved a good game of cards, be it Spades, Pinochle or poker. Liked to go bowling, especially with his buddy, Tim. Traveling was another interest of his, throughout the United States as well as a couple adventures abroad. Flowers are welcomed and appreciated and that memorials also may be made to your local No Kill Animal Shelter in Frank's memory. Friends may visit with the family from 6:00-8:00pm Monday March 31, 2014 at Simpson Funeral Home. A memorial service celebrating Frank's life will be held 11:00am Tuesday April 1, 2014 in the College Lutheran Church, Salem. A light luncheon will follow the service in the church's social hall. You may send your condolences to the family by visiting www.simpsonfuneral.com. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home and Crematory, 366-0707.