WADE THOMAS was born on January 4, 1944, in Anguilla, Mississippi to Lillie Mae Jennings and Willie Thomas. Wade confessed Christ as his personal savior at an early age and joined Pleasant Valley Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. A.D. Williams.

On November 26, 1956, Wade moved to Chicago Heights, Illinois with his parents and siblings. He graduated from Washington Junior High School in June of 1959 and in June 1963 he graduated from Bloom Township High School. While at Bloom, he was a member of the track and wrestling team.

After High School, Wade was employed at Ford Stamping Plant in Chicago Heights, Illinois in September 1963. In March of 1967, he gained employment with Caterpillar in Peoria, Illinois.

Wade was united in Holy Matrimony to Lula Deer on February 9, 1965. On March 29, 1998, the gentle and caring soul of Wade Thomas went home to be with the Lord.

Wade leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife: Lula Thomas; son: Eric; loving parents: Lillie Mae and Willie Thomas, Sr. of University Park, Illinois; seven sisters: Marie Menzie of Chicago Heights, Illinois, Emma (Nathaniel) McElroy of Matteson, Illinois, Essie (Louis) Nunn of Matteson, Illinois, Berda Kennedy of University Park, Illinois, Georgia (Michael, Sr.) Kennedy and Doris Kennedy of Chicago Heights, Illinois, Vernita (Rodney) Jefferson of Monroe, Louisiana; six brothers: Willie (Linia) Thomas, Jr. of Harvey, Illinois, Rev. Fred (Betty) Thomas, Sr. of Chicago Heights, Illinois, Albert (Fannie) Thomas of Matteson, Illinois, Rev. Jesse Thomas, Sr. of University Park, Illinois, Richard (Patricia) Thomas of University Park, Illinois, Rev. Larry (Rev. Dee) Thomas of University Park, Illinois; two uncles: Joseph (Rose) Thomas of Park Forest, Illinois and Richard (Bertha Mae) Thomas of Kansas City, Missouri and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.