David Earl Wade

David Earl Wade, 62, of Battle Creek, MI passed away peacefully at home on September 20, 2025, with his loving wife by his side. David was born in New York City on March 10, 1963 to Ethel (Irving) and Willie Wade. David grew up in Far Rockaway, Queens, NY and graduated from Far Rockaway high school in 1981. As soon as David graduated high school, he joined the Air Force and honorably served his country for 20 years. During his time in the service, he was stationed all over the world for both short-term and long-term tours. David demonstrated true valor and honor during his time in the service and earned several awards including a National Defense Service Medal, a Southwest Asia Service Medal and an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. He retired in 2001 after 20 years of dedication and commitment to his country.

After David retired from the Air Force, he and his girls moved to Battle Creek, Michigan so his children could be closer to family. David's girls have always been the center of his life. When David became a grandpa, his family grew, and he loved doting on his grandchildren. Nothing was more important to David than spending time with his daughters and six grandchildren.

When David moved to Battle Creek, after he retired, his goal was to start the next phase of his work life at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center. It was a few years before he achieved this goal. In the meantime, he worked for a small company near Battle Creek and it was there that he met the love of his life, Tina. She is so grateful that he didn't find a position at the Federal Center right away because she would never have met David; the one who has been the center of her world and her everything since they met. In 2009, David did achieve his goal when he was hired by Peckham, a subcontractor for the Federal Center. He loved this job and all the people he worked with and for.

David is survived by his cherished wife, Tina. They have been together for 24 years; married for nine. David is also survived by his daughters, Amanda Wade, Whitney Mostafa, Ashley Wade and Mariah Wade; his grandchildren, Ny Asia, Josiah, Isiah, Eli, Omari and Ona'Lisa; his mother, Ethel Cheeseboro; sister, Carolyn Wade; brother, Bruce Wade; along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Willie Wade; and siblings, Yvonne Hinnant and Charles Wade.

In the 62 years that David lived, he was so many things to so many people. He was a son, a brother, a husband, a dad, a grandpa, an uncle and a friend. David truly has a heart of gold, always looking out for others and doing whatever he could to help out. David lived for the happiness of others and always put his family first. He was taken from us far too soon, but he leaves behind a legacy and a lifetime of memories that will forever be in our hearts.

Visitation will be held at the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service on Monday, September 29, 2025 from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

Funeral services will also be held at the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at 12:00 pm.

Interment and full military honors will take place at the Fort Custer National Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Air Force Aid Society, Inc., Attention: Development Department, 1550 Crystal Drive, Suite 809, Arlington, VA 22202.

Arrangements entrusted to the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service. 269-788-9800. www.baxterfuneral.com.