Roy Wade, Sr., 74, of Lake Andes

Roy died unexpectedly on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Funeral services are 1 PM, Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at the White Swan Community Center in Lake Andes. Burial is in the Presbyterian Cemetery in Greenwood, with military honors. Wake services will begin on Saturday at the Community Center.

Roy Stanley Wade Sr. came into the world on January 20, 1946. He is the youngest child of Buster Elias Wade and Mabel (Young) Wade. He joined his brother Leslie Wayne Wade and sister Kate Yvonne (Wade) Stancliff. He is a proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. While growing up on the Choctaw Nation, he attended school at Gains Creek Elementary and graduated from Hartshorne High School in 1962.

In 1965, he met the love of his life Sandra Lee Wright in San Francisco, CA. They were united in marriage on September 20, 1969 in Las Vegas, NV. Together they share six children: Brendan "Charlie" Fast Horse, Guy "Tubby" Fast Horse, Geno "Gene" Fast Horse, Terry "Blue" Fast Horse, Roy Stanley Jr. "Kaj" Wade and Jimmy Joe "Buck" Wade.

In 1966, Roy enlisted into the United States Army. He proudly served his country in the Vietnam War. During his time in the US Army, he earned the rank of SPC1 and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Sharpshooter.

After being honorable discharged, Roy and Sandy resided in Montclair, CA, working as a Heavy Equipment Operator for Wade Construction. He attained his certification as an Operational Engineer through the Local 12 Union. He taught Indian Education through the Title IV program for 25 years in Southern California. He later retired and moved his family back to Lake Andes in 1992. Over the years, Roy worked for the Fort Randall Casino as a Shuttle Driver, Slot Tech, and Floor Person. He had a love for the rodeo scene and from his high school days until the late 70's, he enjoyed being a Bull Rider. Roy had many passions from gardening, beadwork, leatherwork, Regalia, Cradle Boards fro his grandchildren/great grandchildren, and his Sunday Rodeo Shows. He was a member of the VFW Post 1353. He was always ready to complete his duties for the Veterans for Military Honors, whether it was Memorial Day or to respectfully honor fellow veterans.

Roy is survived by his wife Sandra Wade of Lake Andes; five sons: Brendan Fast Horse, Guy (Mona) Fast Horse, Terry (Luci) Fast Horse, Roy (DeRae) Wade Jr, and Jimmy Joe (RoseAnn) Wade; his grandchildren: Bubs, Samantha, Kayla, Ryan, Dylan, Dakota, Nicole, Laura, Matt, Alisa, Stephanie, Michael, Micah, Sandra (sister), Jimmy Joe Jr., Angelina, Warrick, and Lily; great grandchildren: Caryl'Lynn, Lily Rose, Iris Lee, Arioni, Keileia, Kyle, Jesse, Joseph, Itzli, Axel, Sophia, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Natalie, and many other relatives.

Roy is united now with his parents Buster and Mabel Wade, brother Leslie Wayne, and son Geno Fast Horse.

As the Cowboy rides away his is greatly loved and will be remembered by many.