Obituary Detail
November 12, 2023
Wade Oren Wickline, Age:93
Wade Oren Wickline died November 12, 2023, at a hospital in Plano, Texas. He was 93.
He was born July 21, 1930, in East Beckley, West Virginia, to Anna Mae and Walden E. Wickline. He grew up in Monroe County, West Virginia, and graduated from Union High School in 1947. A year later, he moved to Chicago, where he studied electronics at Coyne Electrical School (later Coyne College). After completing his schooling, he worked for Hallicrafters, a Chicago-based radio and television manufacturer. On August 31, 1952, he married Glenna Murphy, a student at Northern Illinois Teachers College. They were married for more than 70 years.
He left Hallicrafters, to accept a higher-paying job with Liddell Engineering. But Hallicrafters was a government contractor, while Liddell was not. Hence, the U.S. Army drafted him and he began active duty service in January 1953. He was honorably discharged, with the rank of corporal, in January 1955 and was a member of the Army reserves until February 1961. During his active duty years, he was a radio repairman at the former Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
After leaving Army active duty, he returned to Illinois and worked for the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad. In 1957, he moved his family from Illinois to Candor, New York, where he began working for IBM Corp.’s Federal Systems Division in Owego, New York. His IBM career spanned 30 years. His work involved testing the ability of computers to withstand pressure changes during space flight. He worked on equipment used for the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo spacecrafts. He retired from IBM in 1987.
After retiring, he re-invented himself and pursued a lifelong passion--making violins. He studied the techniques of Antonio Stradivarius and other masters and taught himself to make violins. Over the next 25 years, he made more than 40 beautiful violins and violas, including one five-string instrument (combination violin-viola) that was played on “Happy Go Lucky,” a 2011 Grammy-nominated Cajun music album. Among the many instruments he made, especially treasured were small quarter- and half-sized violins that some of his grandchildren and great nephews used. A noteworthy treasure was a violin with a gargoyle scroll.
He was a gifted technician and an artist. In addition to his violins, he made many playful and useful wood carvings. He was a masterful gardener; his seven children were raised on organic vegetables, which they failed to appreciate until they reached adulthood. Wade was a health-food and exercise devotee. He was known for taking long walks and bike rides. He and Glenna were also devoted word puzzle fans. For many years, he would start each morning with a cup of black coffee and a cryptogram and typically solved the puzzle in less than 30 minutes.
Wade and Glenna moved from Candor, New York, to The Colony, Texas, in 2015 to be warmer and closer to at least some of their far-flung family.
Wade was preceded in death by his wife, Glenna, and his daughter, Mary, and by his sister Anna Harris and brother Lee Wickline. He is survived by two daughters and four sons: Jeanne (Gary) LaBella of Arlington, VA; Dr. Deborah (Keith) McRoberts of Biscoe, NC; Joe (Denise) Wickline of The Colony, TX; Thomas (Connie) Wickline of Laceys Spring, AL; Richard Wickline of Star, NC; and Robert (Galyna) Wickline of Uvalde, TX.
He is also survived by 13 grandchildren: Jamie McRoberts, Lindsey LaBella, Carsen LaBella, Jordan LaBella, Claire Nelsen, Corinne Aronhalt, Joseph Wickline, Olivia Wickline, Scott Wickline, Tracy Stewart, Veronica Barker, Andrei Samsonov and Tatiana Samsonova; and 13 great-grandchildren: Caleb Posey, Audrey Posey, Emma Wickline, Kyndel Wickline, Louise Aronhalt, Rigby Aronhalt, Hylan Willner, Leena Willner, Rosina Barker, Elias Barker, Timur Samsonov, Zlata Samsonova and Ksenia Samsonova.
Two sisters, Roxie Wickline of Bowie, Md., and Edna Mikesell of Richmond, Ind., also survive him, along with several nieces and nephews.
The family will hold a memorial service in The Colony, Texas, on January 13, 2024. His remains will be interred at Sparkman-Hillcrest Cemetery in Dallas.
Following is the schedule for Wade Wickline’s memorial service:
Saturday, January 13:
-
- 2 pm service (at the Marriott Hotel complex in The Colony)
- 3:30 - placement of Dad's urn in the Columbarium at Sparkman Hillcrest cemetery
- 5:30 - dinner for family and friends back at the hotel
Photo Gallery
Condolences
Zee November 28, 2023
Caregiver( AKA work Granddaughter) Dallas , Texas
Mr. Wade was more than a resident I took care of, but to me, he was grandpa. He was a very loving person and always tried to make everyone around him happy. Mr. Wade was such a beautiful soul inside and out. We built such a wonderful relationship between him and me. Oh, I will miss that voice shouting my name only for me to run into his room and for him to tell me, Nevermind, Zee, I just wanted to make sure you were still here. Mr. Wade always knows how to cheer me up, and even when I am having a bad day, he can make me laugh. He will be missed by many people, as he was a great human being to me and to many people throughout his life. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time of your life when you are grieving the loss of your father, whom I hold dear in my heart and prayers. Rest easy, my beautiful soul. Zee missed you so much.
Cossandra Nicolas November 29, 2023
Caretaker Carrollton , Texas
His laughter and simplistic smile will be greatly missed. I had the honor of serving Wade as his caregiver while living in our community. Most days he could be found sitting around a table or couch engaging with others through his mere presence. He was a peaceful being and always greeted us with a smile. His thoughtfuls and shared stories of his past told the story of who he was and how he evolved into Mr. Wickline was amazing. He enjoyed his Blue Grass music and at times was seen patting his knee or moving his hand. It was a honor to have served Wade and his family. Although the physical presence is no longer here . He left a lifetime of memories in the short time he shared with us. May his family find peace in his memories
Cossandra Nicolas November 30, 2023
Caregiver Carrollton , Texas
Wade had a gentle spirit and a smile that could light up a room. I would often see him sitting at the table observing others..not much for words unless a conversation was started, but there was peace in his presence. Wade loved music especially Blue Grass. I can recall catching him a time or two patting his knee as he smiled. I had the opportunity to have many conversations with him and his story told of his strengths and how his past developed and shaped the man he was. Wade was a good man and a great father as this was evident in the frequency of his children's visits. Their support and love for their father was present. I pray they find peace in the memories they shared. His memory will live on in the community and more importantly our hearts.
Jerry Miller December 03, 2023
half 2nd cousin Glen Burnie , Maryland
My mother was a helper in the house in Assurance, WV, when he was born. Mom and Pop Wickline played cupid in getting my mom and dad together. She spoke often of the Wicklines.
Deborah S McRoberts December 06, 2023
Daughter BISCOE , North Carolina
I remember when I was very young and learning to draw, I asked my Dad for assistance with drawing roses. I recognized him as the most artistic person I could turn to for help. Both of my children are now skilled artists in their own right, and I think they got it from him.
Joe Wickline January 14, 2024
Son The Colony , Texas
https://youtu.be/75CVKiRM1YM Created & produced by Carsen LaBella Wilner (granddaughter)
