Walter Lee Wade

Walter Lee Wade

Walter Lee Wade, 89, of Tidewater, Ore., died July 4, 2012 in Newport, Ore.

He was born Jan. 16, 1923 to Frank and Margie (Ball) Wade in Corvallis, Ore. Walter graduated from Toledo High School in 1941. He was student body president, student council president, and president of the Letterman’s Club. He played football, ran track, and was a boxer. Walter also enjoyed singing and was active in the boy’s quartet, school chorus, and the operetta.

Walter joined the Air Force and served for two years until he became sick with San Joaquin lung fever. He returned to Oregon and attended the University of Oregon. He graduated from the UO in 1950.

In 1951, he married Dolores Annette Theesfeld. They would be married for 59 years and were the proud parents of three daughters. Dolores preceded Walter in death in 2010, as did his brother, Vincent Wade.

Walter was a hard working man. He was manager of the Yaquina Bay Dock and Dredge, worked for Beaver State Land Development and began his own business, Vimale Trucking Company.

He was proud to be a lifetime member of the Toledo Elks. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and collecting stamps and coins.

He is survived his daughters, Pam Fyre of Portland, Claudia Capri and M. Michelle Stanger, both of Tidewater; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from noon to 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 18, at Bateman Funeral Home, 915 Yaquina Heights Dr. in Newport. Funeral services will be the following day, at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 19, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 110 NE Alder St. in Toledo. Following the service, Walter will be laid to rest next to Dolores at the Toledo Cemetery.

The family will return to St. John’s after the graveside service for a reception.

Bateman Funeral Home is handling final arrangements.