Wade England Wayment

Wade England Wayment

Our awesome husband, father and grandfather, Wade England Wayment, passed away from cancer April 14, 2009.

Wade was born in Ogden, Utah on February 6, 1947, son of Dee Wade and Atholeen England Wayment, the youngest of three children. He grew up in Ogden, graduating from Bonneville High School. Wade worked for the Union Pacific Railroad while attending Weber State College. He married Marilyn Paul, later divorced. Together they had a beautiful daughter, Aleisha. In 1981 Wade married JoEllen Barton and they had two wonderful sons, Braden and Brant. At the time of Wade''s passing, Wade and Jo had been together for 33 years.

In 1966 Wade entered the military, serving for 38 years in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant in 2004. He was assigned to the 508th CES, which became the 419th CES, becoming Chief of the Prime Beef unit. In August 2001 Wade had the honor to be chosen as the Chief to stand up the 555th Red Horse Squadron at Nellis AFB, Las Vegas, Nevada. The 555th had a long and esteemed history and had been deactivated during the Vietnam War. To assist in the re-activation of this heavy construction unit that had such an honorable past was an immense privilege for Wade. TO THE HORSE!

During his time with the 555th, Wade made many friends and had a huge influence in the lives of many, as he did throughout his military career. Wade was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with one device, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with four devices, along with many other awards. Wade also supervised several humanitarian building projects in Honduras.

Following his retirement from the Air Force Reserve, Wade worked at Hill AFB as a resource advisor, first for the 75th Security Forces, then, at the time of his death, for the 75th Logistics Readiness Squadron. In the short time that he worked at Hill, he was a mentor and influenced many more people. The family is very appreciative of the support from the Hill AFB ''family''.

Wade''s distinguished military career influenced Jo to join him in the Air Force Reserve. His sons followed in his footsteps by joining the Army Reserve and Army National Guard.

Wade joined the Salt Lake City Police Department in 1969, retiring after 26 years with distinction and honor. During that time he held several different assignments, including Patrol, Training and Detectives. At the time of his retirement, he was highly regarded as a Robbery investigator. His skills with interrogation were remarkable. During his career, Wade had a positive influence on those he worked with in law enforcement as well as many that he came in contact with as a police officer and detective. It was while working at SLCPD that he met his wife, JoEllen, who, with his encouragement and support, also became a police officer.

Wade''s love of the outdoors led to many activities, including skiing, tennis, camping, and gardening. He was a very "hands on" father and he used these activities and others to develop a special bond with his children. When his boys became scouting age, Wade and Jo became very involved in their scouting programs and with their guidance, Braden and Brant both achieved their Eagle Scout awards. Throughout Aleisha''s life, career, and building a family in Los Angeles, Wade was always there to support her, offer his advice, and spend time with his granddaughters.

While at Nellis, it surprised many that he took up golf and it became his number one passion in life. He spent many great hours on the courses with Chris and Buddy. They were an incredible source of friendship for Wade while he lived apart from this family, sacrificing for his country. Golfing was the one thing that he continued to enjoy, even while battling cancer.

Close to Wade''s heart was his love of animals, particularly his dogs. Even though his health was failing, it brought him happiness to be out in the back yard throwing a ball to his latest dog, Mad Dog Maddie.

Wade will be deeply and sincerely missed by his family and friends. Before his passing, Wade was able to express his love and pride in his wife and children. That has brought us great comfort and peace.

Wade is survived by his wife, Jo; children, Aleisha (Matt) Schoffman, Braden Chase, Brant Matthew; granddaughters, Grace and Ivy; sister, Mardee Hagen, nieces and nephew. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Val.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 17, 2009 from 6-8 pm, at Lindquist''s Bountiful Mortuary, 727 N. 400 E. Military graveside services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, April 18th, at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 1342 E. 500 S., Salt Lake City. All family and friends are invited to attend both services. A Celebration of Wade''s Life will follow from 1-5 pm at the Country Inn and Suites, 999 N. 500 W. Bountiful, Utah. Luncheon will be served. Please join us.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation in Wade''s name. Online donations can be made at www.huntsmancancerfoundation.org or can be mailed to the Foundation at 500 Huntsman Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, 801-584-5800.

Vaya Con Dios, Wade. Go with God until we meet again. Love, Jo. Condolences may be shared at www.lindquistmortuary.com