[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E88]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING OSCAR LEROY WADE

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. JASON SMITH

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 2, 2026

  Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
and service of Oscar Leroy Wade of Farmington, Missouri. He died 
January 2, 2026, at the age of 97, and was among the last of the 
veterans from Farmington who served in World War II.
  Mr. Wade's military service in the U.S. Navy became a cornerstone of 
his life. He enlisted at the age of 17 on August 6, 1946, and received 
an honorable discharge on April 29, 1948. He served in the South 
Pacific on the USS Whiteside. He earned the China Service Medal, the 
World War II Victory Medal and the Navy Occupation Service Medal. Leroy 
served in the South Pacific on the USS Whiteside. He took great pride 
in collecting Navy memorabilia and telling stories of his time at sea.
  Leroy was a member of Farmington VFW Post 5896 and when he was able, 
frequently attended veterans' events. In his later years, he would rise 
from his seat, hold onto his walker to stand at attention and salute 
when the colors were presented or when Taps was played. In 2015, he 
joined a group of local veterans on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. 
to visit veterans' memorials. His room at Maplebrook Assisted Living 
was decorated in tribute to his naval service.
  Leroy was born August 2, 1928, in Farmington and is survived by his 
sister, Barbara Cornellson, and his children, Cathy Mana, Mary 
LeTourneau, Nancy Rariden, Greg Wade, Diane Byrd and stepdaughter 
Kellie Grief. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 20 great-
grandchildren.
  It is my great privilege to acknowledge Mr. Wade's patriotic pride 
and celebrate his military service today before the United States House 
of Representatives.

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