Colonel (Ret) Allan ‘Al’ Wade, age 86, most loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend passed away in Little Rock, Arkansas, Saturday, February 26, 2022 with his children by his side.
Allan was born on September 16, 1935 near Rockbridge-Souder, Missouri to Ethel Wade (Byerley) and William Wesley Wade. He graduated high school in Gainesville, Missouri.
Having enlisted in the Air Force in November 1954, he was commissioned through Officer Candidate School in December 1961. In February 1963, he received his pilot’s wings at Reese AFB, Texas, completing initial qualification in the C-130 aircraft at Sewart AFB, Tennessee. His 32-year career took him to such places as France, Okinawa, Thailand, Germany and many stateside assignments. Among his many awards and decorations, Colonel Wade received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster and the Air Medal with eight oak leaf clusters. Colonel Wade retired in October 1986 as the 314th Tactical Airlift Wing Deputy Commander for Maintenance at Little Rock AFB, Arkansas. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked another 12 years as a civilian contractor manager on the C-130 aircrew training program at Little Rock AFB, Arkansas.
Allan is preceded in death by his beloved wife Marjorie Wade (Woods). They met at McChord AFB, Washington where they were both stationed. They were married for 42 years and travelled the world together.
Allan Wade is survived by his daughter Deborah Stroup from Jacksonville, Arkansas; son Michael Wade from Lascassas, Tennessee; 6 grandchildren Emily, Megan, Kyle, Preston, Hunter, Gabriella; 4 great grandchildren Daisy, Henry, Radimus, Alessia; 2 brothers Huey Liniger from Springfield, Missouri and Phillip Wade from West Plains, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider making a donation to a Veteran charity of your choice.
Graveside service with full military honors will be held on Monday, March 7, 2022 at 11:30am at the Little Rock National Cemetery located at 2535 Springer Blvd, Little Rock, Arkansas 72206.
Arrangements entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service. 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400.
6 Comments
A true friend, comrade in arms, and a fine gentleman. We will miss him greatly. Prayers go out to the Wade family and to his many friends. . . .
Enjoy your new wings Colonel Wade.
SMSgt Turpin, former Sewart AFB, Naha AB and 61st at little Rock. Prayers for all family and friends .
Was my first civilian boss
Al and Margie were dear friends from our time at Evreux AB, France in the early sixties through our assignments to Lockbourne and then Okinawa. I can say without reservation that he was the best pilot with the smoothest hands I ever knew. A true and modest gentleman to the core. Ann and I mourn is passing.
Mike and Deborah,
We are so sorry for your loss. Your father was obviously a very special man who you loved and greatly admired. His 32 years of service to our country alone deserves all of our gratitude and respect. We are also certain he loved both of you and your families. No doubt he was so very proud of the fine adults and parents you turned out to be.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
We love you!
– Cliff, Craig, Harold, Ken
and the rest of your Life Changing Hospitality family
Just meet him a couple times his son was married to my sister great man enjoyed our conversation prayers to the family
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