Lesco Wade, Jr.

Newton's oldest deacon dies Wednesday at 107
Jennifer Newton jennifern@thekansan.com Newton Kansan

Lesco Wade lived a good, long life. So long, he nearly experienced three centuries in his 107 years, sharing the word of God with everyone he met.
Wade, a longtime Newton resident and deacon of Second Baptist Church in Newton, died Wednesday at Newton Medical Center.
Wade was honored in February for more than 90 years of service to his church and was the church's oldest member.
"I think he brought a strong sense of leadership and dedication to the church and honesty," said Phebia Williams, who met Wade when she and her husband joined the church in 1962. "I can't think of anyone who went through the Second Baptist Church (who) Mr. Wade didn't touch (in) their lives in some way or another."
Williams worked closely with Wade for many years as the church's financial secretary.
"My husband and I were reminiscing last night, and the one thing I always remembered every Sunday morning when we would go back and count money, I would give (Wade) a kiss on the cheek," Williams said. "It was just kind of a special time between him and I."
Williams said she learned many lessons from the longtime church leader, including to stand up for what she believes in.
"He was a man that stood up for what he truly believed in," she said. "If he was right, you couldn't convince him any other way."
She said she also learned the benefits of following the word of God.
"If you do follow the word of God and try to love a good life and try to be obedient, you'll have a long and fruitful life like (Wade) did," Williams said.
Another longtime church member, Allean Roller, 83, knew Wade since she was 4 years old.
"He meant a lot to me because he knew me really before I knew myself," she said. "... At Sunday school, when we were little children, he was always there."
Roller described Wade as dutiful, steadfast and dependable.
"He always tried to encourage the members and always inspired them to trust in God," she said. "... He was just really uplifting. He sure will be missed."
For many years, Wade was the featured speaker at the National Day of Prayer in Newton, leading area residents in prayer at the Harvey County Courthouse, giving them hope as he read scriptures from his worn Bible and sang hymns.
"I feel like he did live a good life," Williams said. "I'm not going to mourn him for the simple reason (that) anyone who lives to be 107, they have lived a rich, full life. If God lets you live that long, he did it for a reason."
In a February Newton Kansan article, Wade, then 106, spoke vibrantly about his life.
"To be 106, you've got to be kind, friendly, loving and happy," Wade said. "I have trusted in the Lord for the past 106 years. You know, the Lord says that if you accept me, I will accept you. He has blessed me that way. He says that I will stay with you if you stay with me. I've done that all my life, and I want to say that I'm proud of it."
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home.