John Francis Wade

John Francis Wade, 83, of Shelby, passed away Tuesday, November 14, 2023.  He was born October 15, 1940, in Ferry Township, the son of John and Pearl (Wright) Wade.

John was a graduate of Shelby High School class of 1959. While in high school he was active in basketball, football and band. After high school he met the love of his life, Marcella Schiller from Montague class of 1960. They were married in the fall of 1961, and started a family. John worked at Shelby bakery as a baker all through high school and afterwards. He spent 35 years working for Howmet, where he spent his lunch hours playing cribbage.  

During his lifetime, John volunteered for numerous organizations. He spent 50 years with the Shelby-Benona Fire Department and was a member of the Oceana County Fire Investigation Team. John helped start the Shelby Recreation club, he coached numerous teams for baseball, t-ball and softball. John volunteered at Our Lady of Fatima as a lay minister, usher and many years of Our Lady of Fatima Chicken dinner festivals. John also volunteered for Old News Boys.      

John enjoyed many years of hunting, fishing and camping. He was an avid coon hunter, he raised competition coon dogs, bear dogs and loved fishing for trout. He grew up fishing, swimming and water skiing at Crystal Lake in Hart Michigan. Most importantly, John was an amazing father and dedicated husband. He never missed a moment to tell Marcella how beautiful she is. He was an avid supporter of Shelby High School Athletics and attended an unbelievable amount of sporting events where he cheered on Shelby Tigers.    
 
John is survived by: his loving wife of 62 years, Marcella; children, Brenda Wade and Craig Sawyer, Darlene (Randy) Ruud, John W. (Kristen) Wade, Jeanette (Scott) Frazer, JoAnna (James) Berry; grandchildren: Dr. Caitlin (Jim) Parson, Dr. Connor (Phoebe) Knapp, Alexis Wade, John David Wade, Brooke Berry, Breanna Berry , Jason and Kristin Ruud, Nathan and Maria Ruud; also 5 great grandchildren.
 
John was preceded in death by: his parents, John and Pearl Wade; siblings, Wayne Wade, Pat Escareno (Wade), and Anne Wade.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am, Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 1372 S. Oceana Drive, Shelby, Michigan 49455, with Father Peter Omogo presiding.  The family will receive friends from 5 pm until 7 pm, Friday, November 17, 2023, at Harris Funeral Home, 267 N. Michigan Avenue, Shelby, Michigan 49455, with a praying of the rosary at 7 pm, and one hour before services on Saturday at the Church.

Please consider memorial donations to: Shelby-Benona Fire Department,430 Industrial Park Dr, Shelby, MI 49455, or Crystal Valley Care Fund, P.O. Box, 451, Hart, Michigan 49420.

Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements.

www.harrisfhome.com

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