Wade A. Porter
June 12, 1958 – June 6, 2024
U.S. Veteran

Wade A. Porter, age 65, of Frankford, DE went home to be with The Lord on the evening of June 6th. He peacefully passed away in his home surrounded by his loved ones. Wade was a man who valued his family and friends; he loved with his whole heart. He was a hard-working, proud, and honest man, who respected a solid day of work in the field with his crew. He loved his children deeply and extended his love to the friends that surrounded them throughout the years. He was stubborn and fierce when it came to his family; he loved them unconditionally and continued to be their biggest fan. He always enjoyed entertaining family gatherings and never shied away from a party. Wade will never be forgotten; he is deeply loved and will be missed with each passing day.

Wade was born on June 12th, 1958, in Lewisburg, PA to Gerald Lewis Porter and Joan Lorene Porter. They later moved to Penn Acres in New Castle, DE where he was raised and attended school at William Penn. He graduated from Del Castle Technical High School in 1976 with his Carpentry Degree. He worked in the New Castle County area for over a decade and then went on to pursue his dreams in Sussex County with his best friend Ted Stephens, where he also began his family.

Following in his father's military footsteps, he proudly served his country. Wade joined the US Army-National Guard in 1983 and served for 21.5 years. During his years of service, he was a part of the 249th Engineer Detachment out of New Castle, DE and later transitioned to the 160th Engineer Company based out of Seaford, DE. Wade was a Heavy Equipment Operator, a Carpenter, and The Motor Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge. He served in various deployments throughout his years, completing multiple tasks and missions State-Side and in Germany, Guatemala, Jamaica, and other various countries. He carried on many friendships with his military buddies even after years had passed.

While serving his country, he started his own construction company: 'Sandtone Construction Inc.' which he proudly owned and operated for over 35 years. Wade had a strong work ethic; he took pride in his work, and he was meticulous with each job. He was a member of 'Contractors for a Cause' where he was able to help those in need and give back to our local community. One of his proudest accomplishments was the construction of 'Justin's Beach House' in Bethany Beach, DE. He retired in 2021 but continued building things for family, friends, and his grandchildren to stay busy. He enjoyed camping with his wife, Karen and friends, fishing with his kids and his buddies, loving on his 2 beautiful granddaughters, hanging around the pool on a lazy weekend, attending a bonfire with a rowdy crowd, or just relaxing on his couch with his 4-legged pal, Luke.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Joan Porter. Wade is survived by his wife, Karen Jean Porter, his son, Ryan Wade Porter, his daughter, Alissa Marie Mitchell, his son-in-law, Robert Sherwood Mitchell, the mother of his children, Michelle Cernos-Porter and his two granddaughters, Reese Tatum Porter, and Layla Jane Mitchell. As well as his New Castle, DE family; his sister, Lisa K. Porter (and family), his brother, Todd A. Porter (and family), and his brother, Mark W. Porter (and family). He leaves behind a large community of friends and family who will be missing him tremendously.

The Memorial Service is scheduled for June 20th, 2024, at Melson's Funeral Home in Ocean View, DE. The visitation will begin at 10 AM, and the Service at 11 AM, which will be followed by a Celebration of Life at the VFW in Ocean View.

Wade proudly supported Wounded Warriors, Tunnel to Towers, Operation Seas the Day, National LEO Memorial Fund and Contractors for a Cause. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the above in his honor, volunteer in your local community and/or take a Veteran out for lunch.

Thank you to the nurses and doctors at Beebe Healthcare who cared for Wade AND his family in the last few weeks. *A special thank you to Lindsay Lyman RN, who, without a second thought, made sure our dad got home safely and properly. We were able to honor our father's last wish of peacefully passing at home because of the few that stood up for his safety and well-being – thank you. (Bethany RN, Rennie RN, Deb RN, Katelyn RT) * Thank you to the Accent Care Hospice nurses, as well – your kindness and calmness is a Godly gift which we are all grateful for.