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Wade lived with a bright mind, a generous heart, and a joyful spirit that touched the people around him.

Ben Wade Baker, 70, passed away on September 18, 2026, in Wichita Falls, Texas. He was born on September 21, 1955, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Wade lived with a bright mind, a generous heart, and a joyful spirit that touched the people around him. An electrical engineer by profession, he was deeply analytical and very smart, yet those who knew him also knew his dry sense of humor, his playful nature, and the funny side smile that so often accompanied it. He was a Christian who loved Jesus, knew the Bible well, and lived out his faith in meaningful ways. He was an ordained minister and performed many marriage ceremonies over the years. He also faithfully volunteered at church and was a member of Gateway Church.

Family was at the center of Wade’s life. He was a devoted husband, and a wonderful dad and granddad, affectionately known as Pops. His three children were his most valued accomplishment, and he took great joy in being present with them as they grew up. Some of his happiest times were the simple, lasting moments of family life—playing games with his children, including Sorry, Pretty Pretty Princess with the girls, and croquet. He was very sweet and affectionate with his family, and the love he gave them will remain one of his most enduring gifts.

Wade had many talents and passions. He loved to read, especially science fiction, and was a devoted fan of both Star Trek and Star Wars. Tennis was his favorite sport, and he was very good at it. He was also an artist who loved to draw, a singer, and a talented bass guitar player. He loved to drive fast—something remembered with a smile, especially the story of getting a speeding ticket on his first date. His quick wit, talent, and energy made him unforgettable to those who shared life with him.

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He was very sweet and affectionate with his family, and the love he gave them will remain one of his most enduring gifts.

He also leaves behind many treasured family stories filled with laughter. He was known to be a bit of a show-off on the tennis court, and when he won a match against his wife, Dianna, he would jump over the net and kiss her. On their honeymoon, he did exactly that and injured himself, creating a memory that brought laughter for 45 years. Another cherished story was their wedding day, May 8, 1981, a Friday night in Fort Worth, Texas, during a terrible hailstorm. The storm was so severe that tornado sirens sounded, flooding followed, the tornado passed over the church, and everyone’s car was damaged. Through it all, it became part of the unforgettable beginning of their life together. Wade and Dianna celebrated their anniversaries with joy and fun, sometimes buying each other gifts like motorcycles, and even getting matching tattoos.

Among his proud accomplishments was designing an apparatus for the hard of hearing, for which he received a patent. It was one more example of the intelligence, creativity, and care for others that marked his life.

Wade will be remembered for his faith, his intelligence, his humor, his affection for those he loved, and the joy he brought into everyday life. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the people he served, and the many memories that will continue to be told with laughter and love.