Obituary of Dr. Charles D. Wade

Dr. Charles Douglas Wade, 86, husband of Clara Wade, passed away on March 25, 2024 in Shelbyville. He was born in Cadiz, Kentucky in Trigg County on May 20, 1937 to the late Charlie E. and Dona Bell Ricks Wade. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Paula K. Wade of Frankfort, and Shari A. (Ted) Randle, of Versailles, grandsons, Wade Gibson, of Frankfort and Nick Gibson, of Versailles.

Charles was a graduate of Trigg County High School, Murray State University, and the University of Kentucky. He received a commission after completing ROTC at Murray State and was a member of the United States Army Reserves for 8 years having served two tours of active duty at Ft. Lee, Virginia and Ft. Chaffee, Arkansas. He was a state FFA officer during high school. He worked as a Vocational Agriculture Teacher at Scott County High School, a district supervisor of agriculture teachers in the Purchase and West Kentucky districts. He worked at the College of Education, University of Kentucky. He and his family lived in Versailles until they moved to Frankfort where he worked for the Department of Education for 26 years rising to the level of associate commissioner, but his heart was always with the Bureau of Vocational Education and various student organizations they supported. After retirement in 1993, he began working immediately for the Council on Higher Education. At the council, Dr. Wade served in several capacities including Coordinator of the State Postsecondary Review Entity, with the UK Community College System for a service-learning project, on-loan as acting Commissioner of the Department for Technical Education, and finally as a full-time staff member. He represented the Council on the Educational Professional Standards Board, the KY Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Gifted and Talented Advisory Council, and the Bluegrass State Skills Corporation as well as working with college and university deans on teacher preparation and especially the Eisenhower Program for training teachers. He left the council full time in 2004, but remained a part time staff member until 2009.

Charles was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Frankfort. He attended many services, served in many local capacities, and a few at the conference level. In his later years, much of his time was spent with family, church activities and volunteering for the Food Pantry in Frankfort.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 PM Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at Clark Legacy Center, Versailles Road, Frankfort.  Pastor Tom Corum and Rev. Jack Brewer will officiate. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the First United Methodist Church building fund.