Steven Morris Wade

Steven Morris Wade - October 10, 1949 – February 18, 2026 With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Steven Morris Wade - a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose voice carried extraordinary strength. Born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Roy and Jeanne Wade, Steve was the oldest of four children. He was a man of strong Faith, and now joins his parents, brother John, and son Dana Wade in eternal peace. Steve attended Northwest Classen high school in Oklahoma City, graduating in 1967. At an early age, he developed a love for playing baseball, enjoying good friends, OU football, and dogs — simple joys that remained with him throughout his life. He graduated in 1971 from Central State University in Edmond, OK, where he earned his degree in Business. He began his professional career working for the EK Gaylord Publishing Company. Steve also loved music. He connected with and found peace in learning the guitar, and enjoyed playing along to his favorite songs from the likes of The Beatles, Van Morrison, and Steely Dan. 1973 was one of his favorite years ever - not only for the music that was released, but also for what happened to him shortly after. While working at The Daily Oklahoman newspaper, Steve met the love of his life, Sandra Rowten Mills. They later married in 1974. Together, they blended their family of four young boys and built a life grounded in love, patience, and devotion. Nearly fifty-two years of marriage reflected the deep partnership they shared. Soon after, he embarked on a distinguished twenty-year career with American Express, serving in leadership roles in Oklahoma City, Dallas, New York City, and Chicago. Steve was a calm and progressive executive whose steady presence and foresight brought clarity to complex sales, marketing, and management challenges. He didn’t need to raise his voice to command respect; his thoughtful solutions, integrity, and ability to truly listen made him a trusted leader and mentor. Never one to stand still, Steve reinvented himself by joining MRI International Recruiters and later founded his own firm, Group W Partners — a testament to his courage, wisdom, and entrepreneurial spirit. Above all, Steve was a man who spoke softly but loved big. His children knew him as steady, present, and endlessly supportive. He guided with patience rather than pressure, teaching by example the values of hard work, humility, kindness, and integrity. His proudest accomplishments were not found in boardrooms, but in the lives of his sons and grandchildren. Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Sandy Wade; his sister and brother-in-law, Jeanine and Steve McNeil; his brother and sister-in-law, Rick and Linda Wade; his sons Tim and Missy Wade, Aaron Wade, and Stephen and Laurie Wade; and his cherished grandchildren Shelby Wade, Travis Wade, Carson Wade, Jackson Wade, Summer Jenks, Tristan Wade, Lola Wade, and Shawn Wade. To his grandchildren, his “young treasures”, he was their biggest fan and a gentle coach. Whether showing them how to hold a golf club, swing a tennis racket, or catch a baseball, he offered encouragement with a smile and unwavering belief in them. His warm presence created memories that will live on in each of them. Steve’s legacy is one of quiet strength, steadfast love, and leadership that lifted others up. He proved that a soft-spoken man could make the greatest impact — in business, in community, and most importantly, at home.

Steven Morris Wade

October 10, 1949 - February 18, 2026