Gilbert Wade Jr.

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Abbeville_ Funeral services will be held at an 11:00a.m. Saturday, November 11, 2006 at Abbeville United Methodist Church honoring the life of Gilbert H. Wade, Jr., 78 He will be laid to rest at Graceland Cemetery with Reverend Steve Caraway officiating the services. Rev. Gilbert H. Wade, Jr., retired United Methodist Minister, died November 4, 2006 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease. Re. Wade was born and raised in New Orleans. He graduated from Fortier High School and then Southeastern Louisiana University, in Hammond, where he met his future wife, Mamye Coburn. Upon their marriage, they lived in Ponchatoula and taught school in Tangipahoa Parish. After several years, Mr. Wade decided to enter the ministry and moved his family to Dallas, TX where he earned a Master of Divinity at Perkins School of Theology at SMU. Upon ordination, Rev. Wade served in the Louisiana Conference in the towns of Olla, Waterproof, Alexandria, Colfax, Luling, Abbeville and Pecan Island, Zachary, Gonzales, and Baton Rouge. He retired, due to ill health, to Abbeville to be near his family. During his ministry, he was instrumental in building several churches. Rev. Wade enjoyed teaching scripture and Church history. He was loved by his parishioners and well respected by fellow ministers of all faiths. Rev. Wade enjoyed family, friends and gardening, and was noted for raising beautiful flowers. He had a passion for opera, classical music, and films. He is survived by two sons, Gilbert H. Wade, III and his wife Deborah of Fort Worth and Bruce Wade and his wife Robin of Abbeville; two daughters, Elizabeth W. Edwards and her husband W.P. “Judge”, III and Kathleen Wade all of Abbeville; two sisters, Ethel Wade and Beverly Giusti both of Kenner; and six grandchildren, William, Anna Susan, and Kate Edwards, Lauren Wade and Bryan Goodwin. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mamye Coburn Wade; his parents, Gilbert H. Wade and the former Blanche McCrary; and one brother, Carroll Wade. The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home, 209 South St. Charles, Abbeville, Friday, November 10th from 5:00p.m. until 8:00p.m.; Saturday, November 11th from 8:00a.m. until time of services.