Herbert Lee Wade Sr.

“Life is short, but the impact we make can last a lifetime.”

Herbert Lee Wade was born on October 5, 1938, to Dennis Wade Sr and Eula Lee Falke Wade in Ledbetter, Texas. He was the big brother to Dennis Jr, Ural Dean, Wesley Wade, and Darlene Wade, whom he loved dearly.

Herbert grew up surrounded by a loving family and lifelong friendships rooted in the Elgin community. He accepted Christ at an early age, was baptized at Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Elgin, Texas, and joined Weeping Willow Baptist Church in McDade, Texas. He attended Elgin public schools and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. Herbert married his high-school sweetheart, Isabelle Colvin, and from this blessed union, four children were born: Herbert, Juanita, Deborah, and Larry Wade. He was also a loving and nurturing father to his grandson, Shaun Wade.

Blessed with a strong work ethic, always ensuring his family was provided for, he was a lifelong learner: he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Huston Tillotson University in Austin, and a Master of Science in Biology from Prairie View A&M University. Making a few notes of Herbert's achievements includes: Austin Community Center – Environmental Law Training, Lee County Trailblazer Award – Exceptional Community Service, Featured in Who’s Who Among American Teachers, Employee of the Month at Giddings State School,10-Year Certificate of Service from the Texas Youth Commission, Thirty-plus Years Teacher of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics at the Giddings High School. Herbert lived in Giddings, Texas, and Austin, Texas, before returning to Elgin, Texas, in 1988, where he remained until his earthly journey ended—inspiring generations through mentorship and academic excellence.

Herbert was a man of wisdom, strength, kindness, and unwavering guidance. He valued hard work, honesty, and the strength of a man’s word. “Herbert believed that family was everything. He taught through his actions that dedication, protection, and unwavering love were the true measure of a man. No matter the moment, no matter the circumstance, his love for his family never wavered.” Driven by an endless thirst for knowledge, Herbert was a devoted teacher who inspired thousands of students through hands-on science education and mentorship. He was recognized statewide and nationally for his impact, living 87 years with perseverance, resilience, and dignity.

Herbert's earthly journey ended on December 27, 2025, and he will be welcomed into Eternity by his parents, Dennis and Eula Falke Wade, and brothers, Wesley Wade, Dennis Wade Jr., and Ural Dean Wade Sr.

Herbert leaves to carry on his legacy his beloved wife of 67 years, Isabelle Wade; children Herbert Lee Wade Jr. of Bastrop, Texas, Juanita and Elton Gentry of Giddings, Texas, Deborah Wade of Elgin, Texas, and Larry and Yvonne Wade of Las Vegas, Nevada; his grandson raised as his son, Shaun Wade; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Darlene Wade Hawkins; sisters-in-law, Jearlene Wade, Gail Wade, Diane Colvin, Kay and Leroy Terry; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, loved ones, treasured friends including his Weeping Willow Baptist Church Family.

Herbert’s legacy of love, intellect, and discipline will continue to live through every life he touched.

Serving with Grace and Honor as Active Casket Carriers: Justin Loving, Dustin Loving, Shaun Wade, Edward Jackson, Robert Smith, and Robert Burns; Honorary Casket Carriers: Chargious Snowden, Devin Kincheon, Anthony Hawkins, Lindsey Wilson, Dominique Arnold, and Brandon Wade; Flower Bearers: Weeping Willow Church Family.

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