John Wade, 78, of Bowling Green, passed away  peacefully at Vanderbilt Hospital on Friday, August 1, 2025.

John was a Combat Veteran of the United States Marine Corps and had a Master's Degree from Marshall University. He was employed with Goodwill Kentucky from 2006 until 2018 as the Vice President of Retail. He was passionate about helping change the lives of Kentuckians who need help with barriers to employment and a better quality of life. He loved to develop property to expand Goodwill's footprint and services across the state. He was instrumental in developing and renovating many Goodwill facilities. John was well known by the people of Goodwill and was often seen in stores and opportunity centers for visits, laughs, and to assist in elevating ways to help people find their way out of poverty.

He was preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Freda Wade of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia; his wife of 22 years, Lin Chaf; and a sister, who died shortly after birth.

He is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth Wade of Roanoke, VA and Priscilla Wade and her husband, Tito Colon of Farmington, CT; a grandson, Enzo Colon of Farmington, CT; and his partner of 18 years, Lee Gabbard of Bowling Green, KY.

He enjoyed working out almost daily, going to Sam's Club and the grocery stores, he had several bird feeders and loved the various birds, relaxing in his jacuzzi, visiting with friends and neighbors, Lee's cooking 7 days a week preparing healthy meals, especially her homemade banana pudding, his two Boston Terriers that were so important to him and their well-being.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am (CDT) on Saturday, August 9 at Johnson Vaughn Phelps Funeral Home. Visitation will be from  10:00 am to  11:00 am on Saturday, August 9 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at a later date in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

He asked that expressions of sympathy to be for the care, medications, veterinary expenses and their favorite food and treats for Sunrise and Cupcake, his Boston's c/o Lee Gabbard.