Paula Kathleen Wade

Paula Kathleen Wade passed away on March 9th at Ascension Providence Hospital in Waco, TX, at the age of 70 and is now resting peacefully in the arms of our Lord. Paula was born December 8th, 1954, in Wichita Falls, TX, to Mary Pauline Gaeke and Buford W. Gaeke. A self-proclaimed Air Force Brat whose father served 25 years in the United States Air Force, she lived in many places, including the island of Guam and Tripoli, Libya. After the family returned to Lott, Texas, and before graduating, Paula's High School English teacher helped her publish a book of Haiku poems, which helped her earn a scholarship. She graduated from Rosebud-Lott High School in 1972, then Baylor University with a bachelor's degree in Secondary Science Education, eventually earning a master's in counseling from Sam Houston State University. Paula started her career at Fairfield High School teaching Biology in 1978. Shortly after moving to Fairfield, she married the love of her life, Von David Wade, on November 19th, 1979, reaching their 45th wedding anniversary this past year. Paula also worked for Teague ISD, which she dearly loved, as a self-contained special education teacher, 6th grade Science teacher, and a counselor at Teague Elementary for many years. A lifelong educator, she loved teaching and working with kids and cherished her students with all her heart and soul. Paula was an animal lover and rescued countless animals, believing in caring for all God's creatures. She was not only a dedicated educator and animal lover but also a generous community member. She was an avid quilter and a member of the Freestone Quilt Guild, even serving as an officer for many years. Her creativity and love for quilting were evident in the beautiful creations she gifted to family and friends or donated. She was also a member of First United Methodist Church in Fairfield for the last 45 years, where she enjoyed helping the ladies of the church cook for the community. She was a proud cancer survivor of 22 years. Paula's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to her cherished friends Jerri McBay, Debbi Olbrich, and Carol Chappell. These sweet friends provided Paula with laughter, love, and comfort throughout her years. Their friendship was a source of strength for Paula, and her family is deeply appreciative of their support. Mrs. Wade was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Pauline Gaeke, her father, Buford W. Gaeke, and brother-in-law, Jay Leeth. She is survived by loving spouse Von David Wade of Fairfield, daughter Katherine Anne Wade of Fairfield, sister Lisa Maureen Deen and husband Gleen of Waterloo, Illinois, Kyla Anne Smith of La Marque, Marina Lynn (Nina) Leeth of Temple, and six nieces and nephews and their spouses and children whom she cherished. Memorials can be sent to First United Methodist Church in Fairfield, and details of the service will be announced when they are available. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 22nd, at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church in Fairfield.

Paula Kathleen Wade

December 8, 1954 - March 9, 2025