Thomas J. Wade, 87, of Belleville, IL, born Sunday, March 12, 1939, in Belleville, IL, passed away Monday, August 3, 2026, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.
Tom was a kind, thoughtful, generous, compassionate, and loving man. Anyone fortunate enough to have been in the presence of Tom’s light knows that these descriptions are not adequate. Always leading with his heart and by example, his entire life was devoted to service of others. Tom freely, selflessly, and without any expectation of return, extended the same love and grace towards strangers as he did his family and friends. Ever involved in his community, Tom tirelessly volunteered with his Church, Shriners Children’s Hospital, and multiple Masonic and community organizations. His greatest love language in serving others was cooking. Tom took immense joy in caring for people with food, whether for large groups, community events, or family holiday meals. Feeding people with happiness and a wonderful sense of humor, Tom nourished spirits as well as bodies. Tom’s light was a blessing to this world. His memory and spirit will continue to live in those who knew him.
Tom was a faithful, lifelong member of Union United Methodist Church in Belleville IL, and was President of the Methodist Men group of his church. He was a member of the St. Clair Lodge #24 A.F. & A.M., Scottish Rite Bodies, Ainad Shrine (Director Staff and Uniform Units), and Board member and kitchen crew at the Belleville Shrine Club (Past Treasurer). He was a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New Haven, CT. His first appointment as Chef was at the Blackstone Hotel in Chicago, IL, and his last chef duties were at Fairmont Race Track in Fairmont, IL. Tom owned and operated Tom’s Deli & Catering and was the Chairman at the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast for many years.
Tom was preceded in death by his:
- Wife: Sue Beth, nee Benton, Wade
- Parents: John H. and Clara, nee Rose, Wade
Surviving are his:
- Son: John W. Wade of Belleville, IL
- Sister-In-Law: Sarah Heil of Belleville, IL
- Nephew: Ash Levitt
- Niece-In-Law: Michelle Levitt
- Great-Nephew, Julian Levitt of Belleville, IL
- Half-Brother: Russ Griffith of Nashville, TN
- Half-Sister: Marta Florin of Warrenton, VA
Memorials: Memorials may be made to Shriners Children’s – St. Louis.
Visitation: Visitation from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday August 6, 2026 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL. Director’s Staff walkthrough followed by Masonic Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at Kurrus Funeral Home.
Services: Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m, Friday, August 7, 2026 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Rev. Dr. Joe Scheets officiating. Interment will follow at Walnut Hill Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
