Mr. Walter P. Wade, 79, of Galesburg died at 9:10 p.m., Monday, October 14, 2019 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, Peoria
Walter was born in Galesburg to Mr. Paul F. and Ruby E. Wade. He married Eileen Kay Parpart in Princeton, Illinois on August 7, 1965.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Eileen Wade of Galesburg and his daughter Laura (Robert) Dill of Galesburg; three brothers Bill (Sheila) Wade of Nashville, Tennessee, Bob (Sylvia) Wade of Galesburg, and John (Penny) Wade of Galesburg; and four sisters Sarah (Raymond) Mortimer of Monmouth, Kay (Perry) Coziahr of Cambridge, Freida (Tim) Woods of East Peoria, and Paula Wade of Galesburg. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother Jim Wade, and six sisters Ruby Clark, Mary Viane, Priscilla Alexander, Evelyn Schmitz, Susan Chandler, and Debbie Canfield.
Walter was reared and educated in Galesburg, graduating from Galesburg High School in 1958. When his father passed away in 1962, Walter stepped into the role of owner and operator of Wade’s Greenhouse for 43 years until retiring in 2005. He was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Walt had a great love for gardening and the outdoors—something he passed on to his daughter. Walt’s vast knowledge of plants and his compassion for others nurtured his business to grow into such a success that his greenhouse is still spoken of fondly by many to this day. He loved to cook for his family, and greatly enjoyed experimenting with the variety of herbs and vegetables he planted in his own garden. But his greatest love was sharing his faith with others, which was the primary focus of his life.
Cremation will be accorded. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, October 19, 2019 at Kingdom Hall in Galesburg; 201 North Linwood Road. A memorial service for Walter will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Kingdom Hall. Jeff Earp will officiate. Memorials may be given to Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses or Richard L. Owens Hospice Home. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com
