Calvin Dewitt Wade

Calvin Dewitt Wade, 80, died Friday, June 5, 2009, at Hendrick Medical Center following a lengthy illness. One of twelve children of Liza (Doby) and James B. Wade, Sr., Calvin was born on May 26, 1929, in Plainview, Texas in Jones County, and was reared in Trent-Merkel area along Sweetwater Creek. He married Betty Lang on January 8, 1949 in Dallas, Texas. Calvin was a longtime farmer and rancher. He loved ranching and enjoyed driving through the cattle early morning and later afternoon to make sure all were healthy and accounted for. He also had been a production superintendent for Dunigan Energy for fifteen years. Calvin loved all sports, particularly baseball and football, and enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in these sports. He himself was one of the best fast pitch softball players around this area. He was very proud of his grandchildren, and loved watching James and Kody play baseball, Kaci with all of her competitive cheerleading, and Lauren with her show cattle. Among other pastimes enjoyed by Calvin were traveling and spending time at the lake with his family and friends. Times spent with his longtime friends were treasured. Calvin was a member of Tye Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and was a past Sunday School Superintendent. His parents; five brothers, Alva, Alford, Syceal, Airgetee and James B. Wade, Jr.; and five sisters, Tessie Hester, Odell Cassidy, Ennice Heston, Zoe Thompson and Elizabeth Wade, preceded him in death. Calvin is survived by his wife, Betty Wade of the home; two sons, Terry Wade and wife, Beverly, of Merkel, and Kyle Wade and wife, Gloria, of Hickory Creek, Texas; grandchildren, James B. Wade, III of Snyder, and Kody Wade and Kaci Wade both of Hickory Creek; and great-granddaughter, Lauren Hopkins. Survivors also include a brother, Brandion Wade and wife, Johnnie, of Merkel, and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 8th, at Tye Baptist Church officiated by Rev. Jim Ritter. Interment will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery in Merkel directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. The family expresses special thanks to the many wonderful nurses and caregivers, Dr. Fahkoury, Dr. Bargainer, Dr. Van Andel, Dr. Hirsch, and Dr. Haynes for their care give to Calvin and the family. Memorials may be made to the donor's charity of choice.