Donald Wade, 80, died July 29, 2016, at his home due to complications from cancer. He was born in Bangor, May 30, 1936, son of Richard and Mary Barker.
He served 33 years in the U.S. Air Force 101st USAF clinic, serving in Desert Storm/Desert Shield. Don was employed with Verizon phone company for 27 years. He was a volunteer with the Orrington Fire Department for 60 years, the Special Olympics, Skills USA and had been an EMS instructor since 1980, training more than 3,000 individuals in life saving techniques. Don was a supporter of the East Orrington Congregational Church and a member oft he Jasper N. Keller telephone pioneers.
Surviving are his sister, Beverly Simpson and her husband, Bill, of Brewer, many nieces and nephews; and two very special friends, Andrew Modery of Orrington and Reese Higgins of Milford. He was predeceased by his parents; and brothers, Richard Jr. and Donald Barker. Don wished to thank all those many people that lovingly cared for him and helped to make him comfortable in his final days.
Relatives and friends are invited to call 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, August 5, 2016, at the Brewer Chapel of Brookings-Smith, 55 South Main St., Brewer. A service in celebration of his life, with military and fire department honor guards,will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, August 6, 2016, at East Orrington Congregational Church, 38 JohnsonMill Road, Orrirngton. Interment will be in Maine Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Augusta, at a later date. All are invited immediately following the service Saturday to share conversation and refreshments at Don’s home. Folks are invited to bring a dish to share. Those wishing to remember him in a special way may contribute in his memory to the Lafayette Family Cancer Center, c/o EMHS Foundation, P.O. Box 931, Bangor, ME.04402-0931. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.