Lester H. Wade, 89, of Clear Lake passed away Friday, January 20, 2012 at Mira Vista Care Center in Mount Vernon.

He was born in Corral, Idaho on September 7, 1922, a son of Raymond and Herta (Krahn) Wade.

Lester grew up in Sedro-Woolley where he attended School and graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School in 1940. He was drafted into the United States Army during WWII. He served with the 442nd Airborne Battalion for 3 years in England and France. He kept the cooks happy because he was able to keep the stoves running. He worked on gliders and helped bring 5 gallon gas cans to wherever Patton was headed.

After being honorably discharged, Les returned to Clear Lake where he worked at his Uncle Campbell Wade's service station. He and his father purchased a Richfield Station in Burlington. Lester worked for 25 years and retired in 1975.

Lester married Orpha Nelson in 1951 and they have made their home in Clear Lake for the past 60 years. They have two sons, Norman (Toni) of Sedro-Woolley and Raymond of Clear Lake (also known as Paul Freeman).

Lester was a great mechanic and especially enjoyed working on old cars. He made many wonderful friends throughout his life. Lester and Orpha enjoyed traveling in their motor home, fishing and camping. Lester was a charter member of the Clear Lake Historical Association and served as trustee several terms during the past 25 years.

He is survived by his wife; two sons; one sister, Margaret Sheeley of Colorado; three grandchildren; and one great grandchild.
Lester was preceded in death by his parents.

There will be a celebration of life at the former IOOF Hall in Clear Lake at a later date. Bring your Lester stories to share. The family is grateful for the support and love provided by family and friends.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hulbush Funeral Home, Burlington.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to the Clear Lake Historical Association, PO Box 333, Clear Lake, WA 98235.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Skagit Valley Herald on Jan. 24, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for LESTER WADE

5 Entries

Kris Sheeley

January 30, 2012

My fondest memory of my Uncle and one of the visits to his house was when he tried to stop my sister on the runaway gocart.My uncle standing bravely in front of the oncoming gocart was flipped head over heals landing on his backside watching my sister drive it into the tall grass to stop. We all still laugh about this. I will miss him alot. Kris Sheeley

Jan Koch

January 25, 2012

I was a caregiver for Lester a couple years ago. The times I spend with Mr Wade and his wife Orpha were good visits. I remember the stories he shared about his life. His quiet and warm personality reflected the special person he was. I remember how much Lester liked to putter in his garage and tend to little projects around his yard, also while trying to maintain and keep some branches on the trees pruned and cut back. He and Orpha loved their home, yard and surroundings. This past summer I had the pleasure of running into Lester at the post office. It was a nice sunny day, we said hello and shook hands. I remember Lester with a smile in my heart. And I am sending my most sincere sympathy to his wife Orpha and their family. Respectfully Jan Koch

January 24, 2012

With so many miles between us, we didn't get to spend much time with my Uncle. But he was spoken of often and always with fond memories and much love. Having them their at my wedding ( in colorado) and then traveling again the next year for my sisters wedding meant so much to both of us. We were so glad to see him a couple of years a go.He will be missed by all of u so much. Cindy (Sheeley) Ramsel

January 24, 2012

I am one daughter of Margaret Sheeley in Colorado. We had the pleasure of having my uncle visit us in the summer of 2011. He was still the same funny, loveable uncle I remember. I didn't get to see him as much as I would haave liked but I will hold my memories close.
Candy Quedenfeld

DENNIS COBLE

January 24, 2012

Whenever I had a problem with one of my vehicles I knew I could always depend on Les to be able to fix the problem. He was a great mechanic and I always felt he charged enough for his services. By that I mean, you never felt you had been gouged. He was a good and honest man, and I will always remember him fondly.

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