Wade Owen Allison

Wade Owen Allison, beloved father, husband, son, brother, and friend, died in Austin, Texas on September 10, 2020, aged 38. Wade's intelligence, compassion, and drive helped him succeed at everything he tried. His creativity took him around the world, but he remained grounded by the love of his family.

Wade was born to Sandra Faye Baldwin and John David Allison on July 7, 1982 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Wabasha, Minnesota, later joined by brother Jared Kent, brother Samuel Jacob, sister Mika Jane, and brother Harper. Wade was happy, curious, and adorable. The family settled between New Boston and Austin, Texas, and joined the Tapp United Methodist Church. Wade was a kind and protective big brother who loved mischief. He taught Mika to head-bang and Sam to curse in Spanish, and counted Jared as his most trusted co-conspirator. Wade made friends easily, as his upbeat energy attracted people, and his loving acceptance earned their loyalty.

Wade possessed a rare combination of aptitude and determination. Naturally athletic, he loved sports, particularly basketball. He shared the Allison family's passion for music, playing the guitar, piano, tuba, and bass in family, concert, marching, and jazz bands. Wade excelled in school, and impressed his teachers with his intelligence and confidence. He still loved mischief, once slipping a page of musical criticism in an unrelated essay, looking for a reaction. He was an individual, never afraid to question the answers and always ready for hard work.

For over fifteen years, Wade dedicated his talents to his band Iron Age, a collaboration with his friend Jason Tarpey and many others, including over a decade with Jared. Wade worked tirelessly writing music, playing shows, and supporting the growth of the band. He dug ditches, cleaned boats, and spent weeks in medical studies, all to finance Iron Age's recordings. Across their albums Constant Struggle and The Sleeping Eye, and numerous singles and EPs, Iron Age developed a signature sound and won fans worldwide. Throughout, Wade displayed his generosity. He played in his friends' bands and supported their work. He worked with his father and brothers at the family business, Allison Guitars, building beautiful handcrafted instruments. Wade was a helper, and used his influence to bring others in the fold.

Wade's search for growth led him to a legal career. He attended the University of Houston Law Center, was elected by his law school peers as the Executive Editor of the Houston Law Review, and received his Juris Doctor degree in 2014. During his time at the University of Houston, he interned for the Honorable Judge Costa at the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, and upon graduation he accepted, what came to be the most memorable and rewarding time of his career, a clerkship for the Honorable Judge Brown at the Texas Supreme Court. Wade's achievements led to a job at the prestigious Baker Botts law firm, where he showcased his incredible work ethic and people skills.

While studying at Texas State University, Wade met the love of his life, Claire Elizabeth Metz, through her sister, Maggie. He was drawn in by her beauty and intelligence, and Claire by Wade's charismatic personality, slightly crooked nose, and Chicago Cubs hat. On tour, Wade carried an Iron Age pillow, hand-embroidered by Claire, and always made time to talk. The two married on October 7, 2011 in Austin, surrounded by family and friends. Wade and Claire welcomed their daughter, May Elizabeth, on December 27, 2013, and their son, Owen James, on September 3, 2016. Wade's children share his love of mischief and music. They sat on his shoulders at concerts, and the three formed a family band. Across a life where he achieved so much and inspired so many, May and Owen brought Wade the most joy and satisfaction. They remain his most precious gift.

Wade is survived by his wife, Claire Allison; children May and Owen Allison; parents Sandy Baldwin, John Allison, and step-mother Liza Shapiro; and siblings Jared Allison, Samuel Allison, Mika Allison-Valenzuela, and Harper Allison Shapiro. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Cleatus Baldwin and Nancy Johnson Smalley, and paternal grandparents Vernon Allison and Ruby Butterfield Talbert.