Recognizing Oscar Leroy Wade

Floor Speech

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Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Oscar Leroy Wade of Farmington, Missouri. He died January 2, 2026, at the age of 97, and was among the last of the veterans from Farmington who served in World War II.

Mr. Wade's military service in the U.S. Navy became a cornerstone of his life. He enlisted at the age of 17 on August 6, 1946, and received an honorable discharge on April 29, 1948. He served in the South Pacific on the USS Whiteside. He earned the China Service Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the Navy Occupation Service Medal. Leroy served in the South Pacific on the USS Whiteside. He took great pride in collecting Navy memorabilia and telling stories of his time at sea.

Leroy was a member of Farmington VFW Post 5896 and when he was able, frequently attended veterans' events. In his later years, he would rise from his seat, hold onto his walker to stand at attention and salute when the colors were presented or when Taps was played. In 2015, he joined a group of local veterans on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. to visit veterans' memorials. His room at Maplebrook Assisted Living was decorated in tribute to his naval service.

Leroy was born August 2, 1928, in Farmington and is survived by his sister, Barbara Cornellson, and his children, Cathy Mana, Mary LeTourneau, Nancy Rariden, Greg Wade, Diane Byrd and stepdaughter Kellie Grief. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 20 great- grandchildren.

It is my great privilege to acknowledge Mr. Wade's patriotic pride and celebrate his military service today before the United States House of Representatives.

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