The class and many others suffered a sudden, great loss with Wade’s death July 17, 2011. His service, attended by Pinky and Clay McEldowney and Stephanie Judson and Sandy Rea, was a brilliant tribute to a life well lived. Words of comfort and tribute were offered by eight clergy members from three states and the mayor of Burlington City, N.J.
After Princeton, where Wade played rugby and served as Chapel deacon, he received two graduate degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary, attended the University of Chicago Divinity School, and was awarded two Rockefeller fellowships. In addition to his academic career, Wade faithfully ministered at Christ Baptist Church in Burlington until his death. After 25 years working in health care for the state of New Jersey, he retired in 2008 as director of support and services for the aged and disabled.
Wade was generous of spirit and of treasure, and recently provided a scholarship to a former prisoner to attend a cooking school. Above all, he was a loyal friend, an optimist about human nature, and someone who felt all are capable of achieving nobility of spirit.
He is survived by his brother, Mark Epps; sister-in-law Linda; two nephews; and three goddaughters. His life and his memory enrich us all.
Undergraduate Class of 1969