Wade H. Morgan was born in Bryan, Texas on December 19, 1924. His father, John Solon Morgan, died in 1926 when Wade was only 22 months old. He attended several different schools while growing up as his mother attended college to become a degreed elementary school teacher. He completed first grade at the Reliance School, then attended the Bowman School, in Brazos County, for second through fifth grade. Sixth grade was spent as the Demonstration School of Sam Houston State Teachers College while his mother, Mary Byars Morgan, completed the final requirements for her degree. Wade and his mother moved to Dime Box in 1936, where his mother taught first and second grade and Wade attended grades seven through eleven. Wade completed public school at Dime Box High School where he graduated in 1941 as class salutatorian. While at Dime Box High, Wade competed in all varsity sports, was president of the Future Farmers of America chapter, patrol leader in the Boy Scouts and played trombone in the band. He was awarded a scholarship to Blinn College but chose to attend Texas A&M College instead.
Wade attended Texas A&M College for two years prior to serving with the U.S. Army during World War II. Wade officially entered the Army in March 1943 as a private. He completed infantry basic training in a heavy weapons company. He also completed the necessary tests for combat air crew training but was returned to the Signal Corps at the convenience of the government. While in the Signal Corps, he completed training as a pole lineman and was promoted to corporal and placed in charge of a wire laying team. At this point, Wade was selected to attend Signal Corps Officer Candidate School. On October 25, 1944, he received his commission as a second lieutenant. As an officer in the Army, Wade attended several schools including the Field Radio Officers School and Fixed Radio Officers School. He served as a team commander in a joint assault signal company which involved supervision of team training and field exercises. Later, Wade spent time as a motor officer in an armored division signal company. According to Wade, he was training for the invasion of Japan when the atom bombs were dropped, effectively ending World War II. On June 3, 1946, he received an honorable discharge at Fort Sam Houston Texas. He returned to Texas A&M College and completed a bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree in June 1948.
Wade was employed at Houston Lighting and Power Company on June 14, 1948 and assigned to the Deepwater Plant as an instrument tester. On July 31, 1948, he married the former Betty Sue Copeland at a private ceremony in Covington, Texas. They began married life together with Wade assigned to the office of results engineering and Betty teaching high school. Wade continued to service his country in the Army Reserve ultimately reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel. Wade also continued to advance in his career at Houston Light and Power acting as plant instrument tester, assistant to plant superintendent, superintendent of the W. A. Parish Plant, manager of power plant engineering, and manager of research. He also found time to coach girls' softball for the Spring Branch-Memorial Sports Association. Wade retired from Houston Light and Power after 44 years of service in March 1992.
Wade's retirement projects included planting pecan trees on the family farm as well as continuing the family tradition of raising cattle. He enjoyed taking his grandchildren around the farm in his Kawasaki mule. He also enjoyed cutting his own firewood for many years.
Wade was baptized, as an adult, at Park Place Baptist Church on July 19, 1949. He spent many years teaching adult bible study at Tallowood Baptist Church. He also served on the Offertory Committee, as an usher and received the service of deacon ordination on January 6, 1980.
Wade was predeceased by his youngest daughter, Sherry Elizabeth Morgan Brown and by his great-grandchild, Kyler Scott Turner (Find A Grave Memorial #182465497) in 2008.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Sue Copeland Morgan; daughters, Sue Ann Turner and Karen Kay Attaway; son-in-law, James Daniel Attaway; grandchildren, Cecil Frederick Turner, Jr., Kayla Lynn Turner Scott, Daniel Scott Attaway, Christy Denise Attaway, Laurel Copeland Brown, Chase Brown and Sydney Brown; and his great grandchild, Weston Scott.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 22, 2016, in the Chapel at Tallowood Baptist Church, in Houston, with Rev. Larry Bertrand officiating. A reception will be held after the service.
Those wishing to make memorial gifts may do so to Tallowood Baptist Church Library, 555 Tallowood Drive, Houston, Texas 77024.
Honorary pallbearers will be Rick Turner, Scott Attaway, Dan Attaway, Alan Brown, Dr. Joel Nichols, and Elmo Meroney.
Funeral services held under the direction of
Schmidt Funeral Home
1344 W. Grand Parkway South ~ Katy, Texas 77494 ~ (281) 391-2424
Posted by daughter and Find A Grave contributor Karen Attaway.