Charles Robert Wade

Charles Robert “Chuck” Wade, 67, of Middletown, died on March 28, 2026 after an extended illness. He was born on August 11, 1958, in Anderson, IN.

Charles was fondly known as “Chuck” by family and friends. He grew up in the Chesterfield area and attended Highland High School prior to enlisting in the U.S. Navy, where he was a pipe fitter. One of his tours was on the USS Saratoga, which was heavily involved in the Iraq conflict. Chuck was directly offshore during the Iraq/Iran conflict and received several ribbons and awards during his military service. He was a member of the American Legion.

After leaving the military, Chuck worked for MOFAB in Anderson, IN, as a welder for several years prior to his retirement. He was a member of the team that constructed the Chrystal Arch, located in downtown Anderson. Chuck was involved in various community activities, one of which was Toys for Tots. He won multiple trophies playing pool in competitions and one year advanced to the finals in Fort Wayne.

He enjoyed being outdoors, fishing and gardening. Each summer he had a wide variety of gladiolas in multiple colors, blooming on his property. Chuck also enjoyed watching Colts games and was an avid NASCAR fan.

Chuck is survived by his mother, Frances Johnson, Bronston, KY; daughter, Nicole Wade, Bainbridge, GA; stepdaughter and caregiver, April Garcia (Jonathan), Anderson, IN; brother, Alan Thompson (Ann), Anderson, IN; 3 sisters, Bonnie Cox (Don), Anderson, IN, Sherry Wade, Fowlerton, IN and Charlotte Laws (Tim), Muncie, IN; 4 grandchildren, Sierra and Haley Wade and Eldritch and Tyrian Garcia and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Earl Rose in 1978 and grandmother, Melvina Chambers in 2002; and stepdaughter, Brandi Jo Howard.

In addition to April Garcia, special thanks to Janeen Dulworth who often provided caregiver services during the past several years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00pm, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, Ballard and Sons Funeral Home in Middletown with Chaplain Rob Mifflin officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00pm until the time of the service on Tuesday. Burial will follow at Bronnenberg Cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, at 18521 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA 22172-1776, or online, here. You may express condolences or share a memory of Chuck at www.ballardandsons.com.