Ralph “Smokey” Merlin Wade, 83, of Kenosha, passed away on Friday, February 22, 2013, at Hospice House. He was born April 27, 1929, to Ralph Edward and Ada Myrtle (Emerson) Wade in Baxter Springs, KS. He was educated in the schools of Kansas. On November 21, 1949, he entered the United States Navy, serving during the Korean War until his honorable discharge on November 17, 1953. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal, China Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Korean Service Ribbon with two stars. Merlin married Louise Wightman on June 17, 1956, in Kansas City, KS. He was a Parts Specification Technician for Eaton Corporation, Dynamatic Division, until his retirement in 1990. Smokey enjoyed bowling, hunting, fishing, and had been a CYC football coach for 29 years. He was also a member of First United Methodist Church, Korean War Veterans, Masonic Lodge in Iowa, Moose Lodge, and American Legion. Surviving are his wife, Louise Wade, of Kenosha; a son, James (Teresa) Wade of Kenosha; two grandchildren, Jeremy and Jonathan, both of Kenosha; two brothers, William Wade of Pendleton, IN, and Burton (Sharon) Wade of Linwood, KS; a sister, Marlene (Richard) Hughey of Washington, NJ; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters-in-law, Joanne Wade and Florence Wade. Visitation will be held Friday, March 1st, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Proko Funeral Home with a Masonic Service to follow at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 2nd, in First United Methodist Church’s sanctuary, 919-60th Street, Kenosha, Wisconsin, 53143, at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends are asked to meet at the church on Saturday for services. Interment is to follow at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park. Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church or Hospice Alliance.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Ralph’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com