Delbert Lew Wade

Delbert Lewis (Lew) Wade passed on June 6, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving wife, children and grandchildren.  Lew was born on January 16, 1933, on the family farm in the countryside of Griggsville, IL.  Lew and Donna were married at the Griggsville Methodist Church on April 3, 1960, and enjoyed a loving marriage of 63 years.

Lew is survived by his wife, Donna; and brother, Charles Wade of Los Gatos, California. Lew and Donna were blessed with five children, four surviving, Lynn (Sheryl) Wade of Grant Park, IL, Christine (Kevin) Henthorn of Griggsville, Marsha (Murray) Welden of Stillman Valley, IL, and Diane (Joe) McLeese of Vandalia, MO. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Greg (Erin) Wade, of St. Anne, IL, Julia Wade of Grant Park, IL; Grace, Faith and Emily Henthorn of Griggsville; and Hannah and Mairin Welden of Stillman Valley, IL.

Lew was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Lucy Wade; his infant son, Lewis Duane Wade; sister and brother-in-law Judith and Bill Crawford; sister-in-law Kim Wade; and many aunts and uncles. 

Lew graduated from Griggsville High School in 1951 and served in the U. S. Army in Germany from 1953 to 1955 attaining the status of Corporal. After completing his service, he returned to the family farm and worked with his Dad for several years, then began employment at Bergman Packing Company.  He also worked for Mike Stevens bulldozing, M. D. King Milling Company in Pittsfield for 21 years, and Pike Feeds for 6 years before retiring. In his “retirement” years, he raised cattle on the family farm, and passed on this passion for the countryside and farming to his family.  He was an avid hunter enjoying coon, duck, goose, and turkey hunting with his wife, children and grandchildren, creating many fond memories with both family and friends. Lew was a member of the Griggsville United Methodist Church, and would visit his wife, the secretary, there almost every day. Lew was a Boy Scout leader, and a Little League Coach while his children were young. Due to his dedication for wildlife, Lew was a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation and was instrumental in initiating the Pike County NWTF Chapter. He was president for 20 years and was awarded the highest state honor from the NWTF, which really touched him. Patriotism was important to Lew, and he had great respect for this country and was privileged to go on the Great River Honor flight in 2017 with his daughter Diane. Baseball was also a passion for Lew, and for his children as well. Very seldom would he miss a Chicago Cubs game, especially when they became World Series champions, of which he had waited long for. He served on the Griggsville Apple Festival in the food stand for many years and he and Donna were honored citizens in 2021, and rode in the magnificent-mile parade encompassed on each side by the family that they built together. 

Music was a great part of Lew’s life and was very important to him, from going to old country or Bluegrass festivals with his family, to traveling county-wide with his children singing gospel songs. Seldom would you be around Lew and not hear music; be it him singing to himself, playing country songs on his Gibson guitar, or listening to Merle Haggard from his silver Toyota Tundra. 

He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman, he loved music, he loved his cows, his animals and his farm, but his greatest love was his family; always joking and telling them stories. He was known by many names: Son, Brother, Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Paw Paw, Turky 1, and hunting buddy; but no matter what you knew him by, he was sure to answer when you called. Those who love him still look forward to the day when they join him again and call him by whichever name is most precious once again. 

Funeral service will be held Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 11:00 AM at the Griggsville United Methodist Church with visitation prior to the service from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Memorial drive and dinner to follow the service, there will be no interment. Memorials are suggested to be made to Great River Honor Flight, Griggsville Methodist Church or Blessing Hospice. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.

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