William Wade Beams Sr., of Hot Springs, took his leave of this world on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at the age of 77. He was lovingly attended to by the angels of Hot Springs Hospice, located at CHI St. Vincent, Team 3 at the Hot Springs VA CBOC, and the VA Home Healthcare team, Little Rock.
Wade was preceded by his parents and is survived by his wife of 57 years, Karlene; his son, William Wade Jr. (Robyn); his daughter, Tina McMillan (Kara); grandsons, Shane Pomaybo and Brandon Pomaybo (Susan); sister, Helen Densmore (Reece); brother-in-law, Robert S. David Jr. (Julia); Francis Pomaybo (Rachel); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Wade was born in Santa Ana, Calif., and spent his formative years in McAlester, Okla., before returning to California, graduating from Mission Bay High School in San Diego, Calif., and joining the U.S. Army ('64-'68). While home on leave, he met Karlene and married shortly thereafter. After returning from Vietnam and leaving active duty, he served as a police officer for the Escondido Police Department and a Loss Prevention and Retail Store Manager for K-Mart, before taking up his career as an independent painting contractor. He is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Durant, Okla.
Wade moved to Hot Springs, Ark., in 1992 to retire. Having been a member of the VFW since 1968, he became active at VFW Post 2278 in Hot Springs, where he became a Life Member. He has held the positions of post commander, district commander, state senior vice commander and is a Life Member of the VFW Post 2278 Honor Guard. He also served two terms as the MOC Grand of Arkansas Commander. In partnership with Jack Dobbs, he established the annual Hot Springs VA Caregiver of the Year Award.
Wade enjoyed his later years in the company of family and friends. He acquired many friends while engaging in spending time at Oaklawn. Throughout his life, some friends became family and some family became friends, but he always kept his home and heart open to both.
Memorial will be held at Hot Springs Funeral Home at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, reception to follow at Hot Springs VFW Post 2278.
Arrangements are by Hot Springs Funeral Home.
Online condolences at http://www.hotspringsfh.com.