William “Bill” Russel Wade

William “Bill” Russel Wade, 80, of Emlenton passed away Friday at his home surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born April 6, 1938, in Argentine, Butler County, he was the son of the late Harold Lester and Emma Amelia Ekis Wade.

Bill had a career in construction until he went to work for Quaker State Refinery in Emlenton. He later retired from the Laborers Union 323 Local of Butler.

He was a former member of the U.S. Army Reserves.

Bill was an old car and airplane enthusiast. He loved taking his grandchildren to airshows as well as numerous car shows, fly-ins and auto drive-ins.

Bill also enjoyed bluegrass concerts as well as jamborees with his wife, Judy. Most importantly, Bill loved his family and spending time with them.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Judith Rose Anderson Wade, whom he married on July 9, 1959, in Cumberland, Md.; his son, Thomas Russel; his daughter, Tam Rose (Scott) Ferguson; his grandchildren, Holly Rose Wade Royce, Jason Wade and Russel Ferguson; his great-grandchildren, Kayden, Riley and Madalyn Rose Royce; his sister, Patty Downing; numerous nieces and nephews; and his lifelong friends, George Saye, Sonny Early and Gary Young.

Bill was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Allen “Redd” Wade; his sisters, Elta “Elsie” Hays and Carol Garmon; his brothers, Harold “Gin,” Robert “Bob,” Samuel “Sam,” and Edward Wade; and his granddaughter, Callie Wade. Bill was also preceded in death by his buddy, “Spike,” the dog.

WADE — Friends of William “Bill” Russel Wade, who died Friday, March 1, 2019, will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, with funeral services following at 8 p.m. at H. Jack Buzard Funeral Home, 201 S. Washington St., Eau Claire.To view or send condolences and to send flowers and sympathy cards, visit www.buzardfuneralhomes.com.