Donald Eugene Wade

Donald Eugene Wade (aka Doc, aka Speedee) of St. Paul, MN passed away on Friday, April 21st 2023 at the age of 87. The 3rd of Roger and Pearl Wade's 13 children, Donald was born in Gary, Indiana on December 2, 1935. At an early age, he moved north with his parents and siblings, where he was reportedly hidden beneath a white woman's knitting project throughout the long bus ride. The hardworking Wade family farmed in the Midwest, raising animals and harvesting vegetables. Donald was drafted into the US Army at age 17 and bravely served in the Korean War.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin is where Donald would find love and start his own family, eventually settling in Minnesota. He had developed a fierce passion for art and music, sharing it with the kids, who could be compared to the famous Jacksons at the time. He held various jobs including farmer, furniture maker, yellow cab driver, truck driver and grocery produce in his later years - but Donald excelled at and relished his machinist career at Honeywell in South Minneapolis. He was also a proud member of the Minnesota Freemasons organization and collected sentimental trinkets to mark its significance.

Donald was a beloved great granddad, granddad, dad, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to many. He had a dramatic yet approachable flair and was a storyteller extraordinaire, rarely caught without a whiskey or an anecdote on his lips. We will remember him for his infectious smile, magnetic personality and unmatched zest for life. He was happiest whenever music was playing and old sci-fi, westerns or even wrestling were on TV - and he especially enjoyed spending time with his people. He had the best sense of humor and took pleasure in surprising us with his hilariously spicy quick wit and crazy quips. He loved life and all of those in it who were along for the ride.

The last of the family's boys, Donald's passing is a profound loss. He will be deeply missed and his legacy will endure in the hearts of all who love him. He is cherished by immediate and extended family, friends and caregivers whose lives he impacted in countless ways. These special lifelong bonds cannot be broken.

Donald was preceded in death by and is also survived by many loved ones, a reminder of life's fragility and the importance of making every moment count. Rest in Power Speedee and "BE COOL, BABY".