Dannie Lee Wade

Dannie Lee Wade was born on July 16, 1949, in Russell Springs, Kentucky to Clifford Wade and Sylvia Poindexter. He grew up in El Paso, Texas where he graduated from high school. He then went into the Marine Corps and served in Vietnam. During his service he earned 4 bronze stars and a silver star. After he was honorably discharged, he went to two years of college.

He would end up working professionally as an electrician doing residential work. He eventually met Wendy Ann Biggs through friends in El Paso. They married on July 15, 1985 and spent nearly 37 years together. Dannie enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. On January 22, 2023, Dannie passed away at his home in Mill City, Oregon.

He is survived by his wife, Wendy Wade; daughter, Yvonne Marie Wade Caldera; grandchildren, Michael A. Madrid, Roberto M. Madrid, Luz A. Madrid, Miguel A. Barraza; great grandchildren, Michael Madrid, Miera Madrid, Melody Madrid, Mikaela Madrid, Miklo Barraza, Yaretzi Barraza, Ezekiel Barraza; siblings, George Wade, Diana May Nelson, Arlin Elden Wade.

A Celebration of life will be held on March 16th starting at 11:30am in Kimmel Park in Mill City, Oregon. Military honors are at 12:45 and will be followed by a potluck.

The Final Inspection

The Soldier stood and faced God,

Which must always come to pass.

He hoped his shoes were shining,

Just as brightly as his brass.

'Step forward now, Soldier,

How shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the other cheek?

To My Church have you been true?'

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,

'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.

Because those of us who carry guns,

Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,

And at times my talk was tough.

And sometimes I've been violent,

Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,

That wasn't mine to keep...

Though I worked a lot of overtime,

When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help.

Though at times I shook with fear...

And sometimes, God, forgive me,

I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,

Among the people here.

They never wanted me around,

Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,

It needn't be so grand.

I never expected or had too much,

But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,

Where the saints had often trod.

As the Soldier waited quietly,

For the judgement of his God.

'Step forward now, you Soldier,

You've borne your burdens well.

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in hell.'