| From KBTX kbtx.com
05/19/12:
Posted: Sat 10:58 AM, May 19, 2012A A Reporter: Clay Falls Email
Updated: Sun 7:04 AM, May 20, 2012Back to News
Fallen Marine, Sgt. Wade D. Wilson Laid to Rest
*10 P.M. Update*
Texas is remembering a hero on this Armed Forces Day.
A Leon County Marine is laid to rest after paying the ultimate price in the fight for freedom.
News 3 captured the outpouing of love and support for Sergeant Wade Wilson in Centerville Saturday.
The Marine's passing is uniting not only close-knit Leon County but people from across the state and country.
More than a thousand people, from as far away as Michigan, filled the Centerville High School Auditorium Saturday.
It's a story of sadness but also joy remembering Leona's hometown hero.
And while Sergeant Wade Wilson only lived on this earth 22 years, he lives on in the memories of those who knew him.
It's a life that touched not only those of Leon County but across a state and even the far corners of the world.
Marine Sergeant Wade Wilson of Leona was killed during combat May 11th while on duty in Helmand Province Afghanistan.
We're told his actions saved two fellow Marines.
Pastor Joe Dacus of Leona Baptist Church spoke of Wilson's faith in Christ and heart for service.
"The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but he loves what is behind him," said Dacus during the funeral service.
Corey Boudiette has been best friends with Wade since first grade.
"Don't discredit his death by saying we shouldn't be over there you know that was his choice and he was completely devoted to the cause. You know he doesn't, that's not how he felt he just he wanted to do his job and he did his job," said Boudiette.
During the memorial State Senator Steve Ogden and Representative Marva Beck presented the family with a flag that had flown on top of the State Capitol in the Marine's memory.
Following the service at Centerville High School a sea of cars and Patriot Guard motorcycles escorted the casket to Evans Chapel Cemetery outside Leona with hundreds lining the streets as the procession passed through his hometown.
"This is what we do. We're patriots, we're honoring our son that was fallen in Afghanistan," said Janice Hayes of Centerville.
Hayes and friends waved flags in show of support. She is close friends with Wilson's grandparents.
"You just had to be here to appreciate the emotion and the crowd. This auditorium holds 704 people it was full. They were lined up around the sides out in the parking lot listening on the radio. This is just a testimony to this young man," she said.
A young man who gave it all, with a county, state, and nation forever grateful.
"And I know for a fact he's looking down and smiling right now and loving the attention and you know he wants us to be happy. He wouldn't want us to be around mourning, mourning his death," said Corey Boudiette.
Sergeant Wade Wilson joined the Marines at the age of 17 and was on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan.
He is survived by his mom and dad, step parents and more than half a dozen siblings.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the "Sgt. Wade Daniel Wilson Scholarship Fund," set up at Citizens State Bank in Buffalo and Centerville or any Wells Fargo location.
*Story Update*
More than one thousand people gathered at the Centerville High School auditorium Saturday morning to say goodbye to Sgt. Wade Daniel Wilson. Wilson, 22, of Leona, passed away Friday, May 11, 2012 while conducting combat operations in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. Sgt. Wilson was a member of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine, Expeditionary Force in Camp Pendleton, California.
Survivors include mother & step-father, Cindy Lee (Lowry) & Ward Easterling of Leona; father & step-mother, Mitchell Boyd "Rusty" & Tammy Wilson of Livingston; 3 brothers & 1 sister.
In lieu of flowers, the family of Sgt. Wade Wilson requests that donations be made to the "Sgt. Wade Daniel Wilson Scholarship Fund" set up at Citizens State Bank in Buffalo and Centerville or any Wells Fargo location. Also, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a favorite charity of Wade's to which he regularly donated. |
| From Walters Funeral Home waltersfuneralhome.com
:
Wade Daniel Wilson
August 4, 1989 - May 11, 2012
Life Legacy
Funeral services for Sgt. Wade Wilson were held 10:00 AM, Saturday, May 19, 2012 at the Centerville High School Auditorium. Bro. Joe Dacus, pastor of Leona Baptist Church, officiated and interment with full military honors given by the U.S.M.C. followed in the Evans Chapel Cemetery near Leona, Texas.
Sgt. Wade Daniel Wilson, age 22 of Leona, Texas, was killed in action on Friday, May 11, 2012, while conducting combat operations in the Helmand province of Afghanistan. Sgt. Wilson was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California.
Wade Daniel Wilson was born August 4, 1989, in Webster, Texas, was raised in Leon County and was a 2007 graduate of Centerville High School. He was a fun-loving person that packed more living into 22 years than most do in a lifetime. Outgoing with a lively sense of humor, he was also a real gentleman and treated everyone with respect. His character and willingness to do whatever it took to get the job done enabled him to succeed whether it was on the football field, track field, or whatever endeavor he chose. He had the heart of a champion.
Wade joined the Marines at age 17 and found the perfect fit for his drive, determination, and quest for a challenge. His faith in God and his complete devotion to what he was doing enabled him to serve with greatness and honor. While protecting his fellow comrades and his country, he gave all for something he believed in whole-heartedly. He made the ultimate sacrifice by giving his life to help protect our freedom. He is a true American hero.
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 (NASB)
Most importantly, Wade was loved by so many and brought so much love into the lives of his family and friends. His family was extremely important to him. He loved his brothers and sister very much and had a special relationship with them. Wade was a giving and caring person and deeply touched those in his life. No family or friend ever questioned Wade?s love for them and knew he was someone they could always count on. His was a short life as counted in years, but so full and rich counted in love, memories, inspiration, and making a lasting impression on his world. We all lost a hero and he will be forever loved and missed.
He is preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Lou Wilson and uncle, James Parish, both of Alvin, Texas.
Survivors include mother & step-father, Cindy Lee (Lowry) & Ward Easterling of Leona; father & step-mother, Mitchell Boyd ?Rusty? & Tammy Wilson of Livingston; three brothers, Chad Mitchell Wilson (Brittney), Alex Ray Wilson (Kandace), and Curtis Lee Wilson; one sister, Layne Elise Wilson; three step-sisters, Teri Miro (Ben), Amy Kelley (fianc?, Mark Smith), and Lisa Brooks (Deon); grandparents, George & Dixie Lowry and Curtis & Bonnie Easterling; two nephews, Jaydon and Race Wilson; five nieces, Maddy, Sofia, Brittany, Graci, and Hydia; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.
Serving as pallbearers were Sgt. Elmer S. Miguel, Sgt. Anthony Crosby, Cpl. Joshua Marreel, Cpl. Justin Amundson, Cpl. David Oest and Cpl. Joe Lemaster all members of the U.S.M.C. and personal friends of Sgt. Wilson.
In lieu of flowers, the family of Sgt. Wade Wilson requests that donations be made to the ?Sgt. Wade Daniel Wilson Scholarship Fund? set up at Citizen?s State Bank in Buffalo and Centerville, or any Wells Fargo location. Also, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children?s Research Hospital (link provided), a favorite charity of Wade?s to which he regularly donated. |
