Lee Nelson Wade, Sr.

Lee was born November 1, 1926 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was the son of Guerny Loren, Sr. and Georgia Etta (Lolley) Wade. As a young child Lee was raised and received his education in Tulsa where he graduated high school. Shortly after high school Lee joined the United States Army Air Corps. During his time in the military Lee was stationed on the Aleutian Islands with the 11th Army Air Corps. Following his honorable discharge on January of 1947; Corporal Lee Nelson, Sr. returned to Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was then united in marriage to the love of his life Betty Jean Bailey on August 16, 1947 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Lee gained employment with Don Byrd Contracting as a painter. Lee painted commercial and residential properties through out Oklahoma and the Tulsa area. Lee then accepted a position with Tulsa Public Schools in their maintenance department. In 1976, Lee and Betty moved to their current home on Keystone Lake. Lee later retired from Tulsa Public Schools after 29 years in the mid 1980ís. Lee still remained active and later began working for Pawnee County Rural Water District reading meters. Lee enjoyed being outdoors. He especially loved going fishing, watching kids play baseball and bowling. Lee has traveled and attended every Cleveland Tiger football and baseball game for many years until he was physically unable. He was honored several years back by the Cleveland Tigers for being one of the most dedicated supporters. Lee loved to travel. He would have traveled more extensively however; his wife Betty enjoyed being at home. Lee was also a big Oklahoma Sooner Football and Chicago Cubs Fan. Lee loved the times he was able to coach baseball. Teaching his son Len and his friends how to play meant the world to him. Lee would never miss a birthday party, dance recital or sports activity that his grandchild was participating in. Most of all in life Lee loved his family and friends dearly. Lee Nelson Wade, Sr. passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2011 at his home in Cleveland, Oklahoma at the age of 84 years five months and six days. Survivors are his son Lee N. Wade, Jr. and his wife Debbie of Tulsa, Oklahoma, two brothers Ron G. Wade and his wife Karen of Minnesota, Gurney Wade, Jr. of Ponca City, Oklahoma; one granddaughter Lindy Sue Clark and her husband Jason of Tulsa, Oklahoma, two grandsons Brandon Cory Lee Wade and his wife Sarah of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Jack Gravitt of Tulsa, Oklahoma, eight great grandchildren Linda Sue, Destiny, Dylan, Kainan, Kaitlyn, Skyler, Kayla and Christopher as well as a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Guerny Loren Wade, Sr., mother Georgia Etta Wade, wife Betty Jean Wade and a brother Bob Wade. Chapel Services will be held 10:00 am Monday, April 11, 2011 at the Chapman-Black Funeral Home with Pastor David Logsdon officiating. Burial will follow in the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home. Military honors will be provided by Vance Air Force Base Honor Guard.