Arvin Wade

Command Sergeant Major USA (RET) Arvin B. Wade passed away May 24, 2015.

Rosary will be at Sunset Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 7:00pm. Funeral service will be at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 1:00pm with Reverend Hilary Ihedioha, officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Arvin was born in Wingate, Indiana to Bernard Wade and Nona Wade. He graduated from Wingate High School in 1942 and went to work on the Pennsylvania Railroad as a trackman. In April 1943, he was drafted in the U.S. Army and was trained as a combat engineer. After training with the 246th Combat Engineer Battalion, he was shipped from the port of Boston to Glasgow, Scotland, then to Salisbury Plains in England. He landed in Normandy, and participated in four more campaigns: Northern France, Ardennes (Bulge), Ruhr, and Rhineland. The 246 Eng Combat Battalion supported the 29th Infantry Division (Maryland and Virginia NG), the 30th Infantry Division (North Virginia NG), and the 2nd Armored Division (Hell on Wheels). The 246 Engineer lost 35 percent of their personnel during the five campaigns and was awarded the Presidential Citation. After meeting up with the Russians on the Elbe River, Arvin was returned to the United States, and was Honorably Discharged from the Army in December 1945. He immediately went to work for Duffy's Meat Packing Plant in Anderson, Indiana and was a member of the AFL Meat Packer's Union. Between 1945 and 1948, Arvin worked for Delco Remy (General Motors), Anderson, Indiana and Hudson Motors, Detroit, Michigan. In March 1948, Arvin decided you re-enlist in the Army. After a short refresher course, he was shipped to Germany, and became a member of the 14th Armored Calvary (US Constabulary) that patrolled the East-West border (Fulda Gap). During this period, Arvin attended several service schools (Demolition Booby Traps and Mines and the United States Constabulary NCO School). He graduated from the NCO School and later went back to be an instructor. He taught French, Greek, and Turkish soldiers on the operation gunnery on American tanks. Upon completion of his tour in Germany, he was assigned to the 1st Armored Division in Fort Hood. He always strived to excel in every endeavor. He was an expert pistol shooter and was a member of the pistol team. He won several awards while on the team.

While with the 1st A D. he met Olga and they were "hitched" which lasted 49 years. He later left the 1st A D and was assigned to the 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment (ACR) at Ft. Meade, Maryland. From Ft. Meade, he spent 13 months with the 1st Calvary Division in Korea. He returned to Ft. Meade and was assigned to the 3rd Armored Cavalry during the Berlin Crisis. The entire unit was sent to Germany. Upon the end of the tour in Germany, he was assigned as advisor to the 124th Calvary Squadron, Odessa, Texas. At that time, they had troops in Pecos, Lamesa, and Midland. He bought a house for $12,000.00, $500.00 down and $122.00 a month in Odessa. After about three years in Odessa, he was appointed to the grade of Sergeant Major. Arvin volunteered for duty for Vietnam and was assigned Sergeant Major of the 4th Psychological Group with units in Danang, Nha Trang, Ben Ha, Pleiku, and Canto. During this period, he completed 20 Psychological Operation missions with the USAF as a crewman. Upon completion of the tour in Vietnam, he was assigned as Post Sergeant Major as a post in Virginia. He was later assigned to the 1st A D as Command Sergeant Major of the 13th Tank Battalion. Upon retirement, he returned to Odessa and operated a service station for 11 years (Gas 33cents a gal). Later, he went to work for Consolidated Bottling Co., Roswell, New Mexico as a Fleet Mechanic. After 6 years at the age of 63, he retired. Arvin was as ASE Certified Master Auto Technician. He was always proud that he came out of poverty in the Great depression and America let him serve his country. He always got up before dawn and worked until late at night to provide for his family. He faithfully upheld the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights contained in it.

Special thanks to primary care physician, Dr. Whitten, who recommended the surgeons who healed Arvin so that he could enjoy a healthy, pain-free, old age. Dr. Whitten retired in 2014. Arvin's favorite song was "Young at Heart" sung by Frank Sinatra. He wanted to live to be 105 and see what he could derive being alive at 105 when he is young at heart. Early in retirement, he kept a green lawn during the summer and winter. People walking by always gave compliments.

Survivors include daughter, Claudia Wade Carey; son, Victor B. Wade and wife jenny; grandson, Rickey Carey, Jr. all of Odessa, Texas, and many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews, as well as great-great nieces and nephews.

Visitation

Rosary Sunset Memorial Funeral Home Chapel
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
7:00 PM

Service

Funeral Service

St. Marys Catholic Church
612 East 18th Street
Odessa, TX  79761
Thursday, May 28, 2015
1:00 PM

Cemetery

Sunset Memorial Gardens
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762