Roger C. Wade's Obituary
Roger C. Wade, age 79, passed away Thursday, March 15, 2018. He was born August 30, 1938 in Shelby, MI to Charles and Ruby (Busman) Wade. Roger was a graduate of Muskegon High School in 1957 and was a proud U.S. Navy Veteran. He had worked for Sealed Power Corporation for 42 years, retiring in 1999. While at Sealed Power he was Union President and President of the UAW Retirees Local 637 for 23 years. Roger had been a Muskegon County Commissioner for over 5 years and was a member of the Board for United Way, Muskegon Area CAP Council, Family Financial Credit Union, and Co-Optical. He had also chaired the annual Earth day cleanup in Muskegon for 29 years for the Local 637. He was a huge Muskegon Big Red fan and supporter and during high school lettered for football, basketball, track, and golf. Roger had a love for golf, which started at an early age when he caddied at the Muskegon Country Club prior to his active status in the U.S. Navy. He was always involved in community minded activities and always on the go, helping any way possible. His family was also very important to him, especially all his grandchildren. He lived life to the fullest and will be greatly missed by all. On August 29, 1981, he married Patricia Polk in Muskegon and she survives him along with 4 children: Bradley P. Wade of Detroit, Scott C. Wade of Muskegon, Sandy (Jeff) Swarts, Terri Messner both of Muskegon; 9 grandchildren: Phillip (Vicki) Wade, David Wade, Erin (Steve) Salopek, and Keller Wade, Charles (Jackie) Wade, Alexander (Kate) Wade, Kristi (Jeremy) Pudak, Nichole (Ryan) Hunter, Brandon (Allyssa) Swarts; 8 great-grandchildren; sister, Joanne (Mark) Gardner of Grand Haven; nephew, Jason Smith; niece, Tracy Smith; aunt, Cornelia Porter of Muskegon; and many, many close friends and family. He was preceded in death by his parents and best friend, Arthur Backstrom, Sr. A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church (3225 Roosevelt Rd.) with Pastor Paul Appold officiating. VISITATION will be from 5-8 PM Monday at The Walburn Chapel, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., (231) 759-8565. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Red Cross, American Cancer Society, or the Wounded Warrior Project. Share memories with the family at their On-line Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com
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