Wade, Paul Esrom (1919-2006)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2006 May 29 p. 8

Birth date: 1919 Jul 12

text of obituary:

PAUL ESROM WADE

Paul Esrom Wade, 86, of Sterling, Ill., died May 1, 2006, at CGH Medical Center. He was born July 12, 1919, to Glen and Grace Hauger Wade in Jordan Township in Whiteside County.

He graduated from Sterling Township High School in 1938. He was a lifelong member of Science Ridge Mennonite Church, where he confessed Jesus as his Lord and Savior.

He married Mary Helen Yoder on April 30, 1944, at Oak Grove Mennonite Church in Smithville, Ohio. They celebrated 62 years of marriage.

On Oct. 23, 1942, he entered Civilian Public Service in Camp No. 57 at Hill City, S.D. He transferred to detached service in Lancaster County, Pa., where he was a dairy herd improvement tester until March 20, 1946. He then returned to Illinois, where he was a dairy farmer for many years.

He spent several retirement years being a car wash attendant. Caring for vegetables and flowers was his delight, and he shared much of the produce with many people. One of his favorite hymns was “In the Garden.” He was a friend to all he met, and a loving husband and father.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Helen; four children, Carl Wade and his wife, Diana, Mary Kay Yoder and her husband, Jim, Dean Wade and special friend Diane Ruchti, and Donald Wade and his wife, Melanie; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Graveside services were held at the Science Ridge Mennonite Church Cemetery. A celebration of his life is being planned for July at Science Ridge Mennonite Church.