Terry Eugene Lade

Our hearts are broken for the passing of our beloved Terry Eugene Lade on July 18, 2023 of natural causes. Terry enjoyed many things including hot rods and auto racing, of which he won many dirt car races throughout the years. He would tell you his racing days started early in life and he was really proud of the fact that he held the school record in track. But, above all things he cherished nothing more than spending time with his adoring family. He was born February 11, 1950 to loving parents Wilbur and Dorothea Lade in Morocco, Indiana. His parents installed family values and provided a loving home. Raised in Donovan, Illinois he enjoyed his childhood years together with his parents and six siblings (sisters - Carole, Mary and four brothers - Lee, Dale, Danny, Dennis). His brothers and sisters were more than siblings, they were also best of friends from childhood and through the many years of life together. They were all good-hearted people that shared many laughs together. Later, as a teenager Terry enlisted in the US Army which he proudly served and defended his country in combat during the Vietnam War. Soon after returning Terry met the love of his life, his loving wife of 51 years Wanda Sue Kinsey. You may wonder how a farm boy from Illinois meets a small Texas town girl. The story goes that Terry had a car in a body shop being repaired while he was stationed at the Army Base in Fort Hood when he saw his Mustang driving down the road by a young woman. He wondered why someone was driving his car so he followed her back to the body shop to discover Wanda was the driver. They had never met before but from that moment on they were destined to share their lives together. Terry and Wanda were married on January 27, 1972 in Lampasas, Texas. Wanda's parents Malcom and Elma Kinsey immediately welcomed him as part of the family. Wanda's siblings who include Bessie Holloman (Husband Martin), Chris Jones (Husband Joe), Lola Cosby (Husband Travis), Gerald Kinsey, Charlene Babbitt (Husband Clifford) all became more than in-laws, they became brothers and sisters who truly cared for each other. Though Terry never met Wanda's brother Billy who had passed at a young age, everyone agrees that they would have been great friends. Terry and Wanda's love for each other is eternal and a true blessing from God. During the 51 years married Terry wanted nothing more than to be by her side. Soon their family expanded in February 1973 upon the birth of Terry Steven (Steve), the first of three sons. Three years later in January 1976 they welcomed their second son Richard Eugene (Rich). Then they were blessed again with their youngest son Timothy Michael (Tim) who was born in November 1988. He will always be the most important man in his sons' lives, a hero, and a man that was stronger than any obstacle that came his way. Terry may have never had a daughter by birth, but he treated and loved his daughters-in-law Cyndi, Debbie, Erika as his children as well. On both sides of the family Terry touched many family members including nieces and nephews who he treated as he would treat his own children, he loved these family members unconditionally and would have done anything for them. Terry was selective of friends, some of his closest friends were his cousins who were family members, but the friends he did let in outside of his family members were good people, and those good friends became an extension of his family. He had a work ethic fueled by his desire to provide for his family that was unmatched, but that didn't stop him from spending time with his children, attending sporting events, as well as school functions when possible. Through the years he spent many hours watching his children riding dirt bikes and teaching them how to repair them. As a father he was a protector, an encourager, a teacher, someone that always believed in you, and he was the person that you could always depend on. When Terry became a grandfather, he became "PAPA", supersizing all the qualities he had as a father and now with the power to be fun 24/7. He had a fascination with monkeys and it was a running joke how one day he was going to have pet monkey. All the grandkids loved this idea and would always buy him little monkey presents just hoping for the day he would bring one home. He was sharp, witty, and always had something funny to say. Family gatherings were where he was happiest, and he would never miss one, he looked forward to and cherished these events. He always found himself at the center of attention at gatherings where he was sure to get a few laughs with his lovable humor. Terry's life may have revolved around his family, but his family also revolved around him. Throughout his years he led by example and built a strong family. He truly loved his entire family unconditionally and found great joy in their happiness. Terry is the love of Wanda's life. He is the greatest father any son could pray for. He is also the grandfather that cherished every second of the time he spent with his grandchildren. His family always saw him as the strongest person that would never give up. He battled many illnesses in his later years, but he always came out on top. Even through his passing he held on so that he could have his wife Wanda and many loved ones by his side. He had a personal relationship with God and was thankful for the many blessings that God gave him in his life. He may be gone in body, but his spirit will live forever. Son, brother, husband, father, papa, uncle, friend, and more than words can describe, we are forever grateful for you to have been in our lives and you will never be forgotten. We miss you more than words could ever say, God Bless and we will see you in heaven soon. Immediate Family Survivors include Wife: Wanda. Child: Steve and Cyndi (Grandchildren - Ashley and Matthew). Child: Rich and Debbie (Grandchildren - Alex, Ana, Jayden, Austin, Zaden). Child: Tim and Erika (Grandchildren - Alexa and Everleigh.) Brother: Danny and wife Linda. Sister-in-law: Karen wife of brother Dennis. Preceded in death by his father Wilbur and mother Dorothea, brother Lee and wife Elaine, brother Dale and wife Glenda, sister Carole and husband L.B. Jackson, sister Mary Hull, brother Dennis. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 24th 2023 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home - 401 N Key Ave, Lampasas, TX 76550 A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 25th 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Langford Cemetery in Evant, TX.

Terry Eugene Lade

February 11, 1950 - July 18, 2023