Wade W. Peard died, at age 79, when a lack of oxygen stalled out his internal carburetor. Having blazed his own trail since the age of 12, the self-made, no-nonsense, salty, respected, and gutsy entrepreneur closed his last deal on May 28, 2018. Born in Stockton, CA, Wade learned self-reliance too early in life as his mother was tragically killed in a car accident when he was only 18 months. He and his brother lived with his grandparents who would move them to Colorado, and then on to Vici, Oklahoma, as young boys. Wade started working at age 12 as a farm hand, in the local grocery, and at the towns gas station. At 13, he was fired from his first job when the lie he told about his age was exposed as he had no drivers license, a necessity for a heavy equipment operator. These childhood challenges implanted traits that Wade relied upon his entire life; an extraordinary work ethic, impeccable integrity, tough-as-nails tenacity, and an unwavering strength of character. It was love at first sight when Wade saw Gwen on her familys wheat truck headed to the Vici grain elevator. They would be married a year later and happily ever after for 60 more. During that time, they established a home in the Oklahoma City area and welcomed two daughters, Renee and Tristy. Wade joined the Goodyear Tire Company in 1958, watched, learned and saved money to open his own business in 1971, Wades Auto Services. From that humble beginning, the fire ignited and Wade would build and own several successful businesses in construction and contracting, fire and safety, banking, oil, and storage industries until he retired on a successful (and financially rewarding) coin flip in 1998. Equally zealous in retirement as in work, Wade pursued awesome fishing adventures, traveling to Mexico, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Brazil, Canada and Alaska. And, answered the call of his youth, returning to the farm to drive heavy equipment (with a license), build ponds, clear trees and churn up ground. Wade knew few strangers, loved his family fiercely and took good care of those he called friends. He will be missed by so many people who knew him, loved him, worked with him and were encouraged by him to pursue their own dreams and goals. Underneath the gruff and stoic faade lay a heart of gold, a silly streak, and a generosity of spirit as deep as a still lake, on a clear, bright morning - his favorite time to fish. Wade is survived by his wife, Gwen of Bethany, OK; his daughter and son-in-law, Renee and Jerry Baker of Bethany, OK; his daughter, Tristy Carter of Edmond, OK; his grandchildren, TJ Wall of Palm Coast, Florida; Madison and Harrison Carter of Edmond, OK; and great-granddaughter, Aurora Wall of Oklahoma City, OK; step-mother, Faye Peard of Vici, OK; many beloved nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends and associates. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Harris and Helen Corrine-Peard, brothers, Jack Peard and Mike Peard, and a sister, Diana Ferguson. Celebration of Life services are planned for Tuesday, June 5, 10:00am at Mercer-Adams Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Liberty Church of Yukon building fund, P.O. Box 851242, Yukon, OK 73085 or the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, https://omrf.org/donation-form/. Memorial Service Mercer-Adams Chapel Tuesday, June 05, 2018 10:00 AM 3925 N. Asbury Bethany, OK 73008