Vernon Richard Wade Jr's Obituary
Vernon Richard Wade, Jr., beloved husband, father, and grandfather, went to heaven peacefully on August 23, 2023. Born on April 20, 1950, in Longview, Texas, to Frankie and Vernon Richard Wade, Sr., he grew up in Longview and spent a few years in Odessa, before returning to Longview.
A 1968 graduate of Longview High School, he was a member of the Lobo football team and remained a die-hard LHS Lobo fan and season ticket-holder for almost 40 years.
At LHS, Richard met the love of his life, Margaret Ann Dennis, and married her on August 6, 1971
After graduating from Stephen F. Austin State University with a degree in accounting, Richard held many jobs, which included many years of experience in the banking business and financial planning, before returning to the accounting business, working alongside his wife, father-in-law, and eventually his son in the family accounting business, Dennis-Wade Associates. In retirement, he loved his time working at Louis Morgan Drugs #4.
Richard’s No. 1 love by far was his family. He enjoyed spending time with Margaret, his children, grandchildren, and numerous extended family members.
Richard also loved baseball. Later in life, he umpired more than 1,500 Little League, high school and college games, spanning a period of more than 20 years.
For many years, Richard was active in the leadership at First Methodist Church of Longview. He and Margaret cherished the relationships they made, especially those from their Grace Lowery Sunday School Class.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Frankie Ruffino and Vernon Richard Wade, Sr.; his granddaughter, Lindsey Paige Tabor, of Wylie, TX; his grandparents, and numerous others.
Survivors include his wife of more than 52 years, Margaret Dennis Wade, of Longview; his daughter and son-in-law, Amanda and Jeff Tabor of Wylie, TX; his son, Derek Wade of Longview, TX; granddaughter and husband Brittany and Mason Knapp, of Caddo Mills, TX; granddaughter Danica Wade of Longview, TX; sister and brother-in law, Brenda and Gene Fowler of Richland Hills, TX, and their children and grandchildren; sister Wilma Pace of Port Arthur, TX; sister-in law and husband Aliece and Mike Scott of Longview, TX, and their children and grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.
A memorial will be held at First United Methodist Church of Longview, 400 N. Fredonia, Longview, TX, at 11:00 am on Thursday, August 31, 2023. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider on donation to First United Methodist Church of Longview Fine Arts fund. Donations can be made at the address above.
What’s your fondest memory of Vernon?
What’s a lesson you learned from Vernon?
Share a story where Vernon's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Vernon you’ll never forget.
How did Vernon make you smile?