November 3, 1949 — September 4, 2016
Wade Ebert (AKA Papa Smurf) passed away in his sleep after a seven month battle with cancer on Sept. 4, in his Alsea, OR home. He spent his last few weeks surrounded by family members, holding his grandsons and being somewhat ornery. When he passed away it was to the sound of his family laughing about things he had done over the years. Wade was just 66.
He was born Nov. 3, 1949, in Odessa, MO to Alvin and Madge Ebert. He grew up in CA and OR where he attended Corvallis High School.
At age 17 he left CHS to join the US Army where he would go on to become a Green Baret and serve multiple tours in Vietnam. While the war left deep scars in his heart, he was always proud to have served his country.
Over the years Wade held a multitude of jobs from construction to restaurant management to tending bar at the Peacock Tavern in Corvallis when Tommy Connor owned it. Additionally Wade owned several businesses including Allen’s Auto Repair in Corvallis, Galactic Crossroads Mini Mart in Philomath, Old Man and Tractor For Hire, and a pet coffin business.
Wade married his true love, Mickie Ebert, on Sept. 30, 2006. They were fiercely devoted to each other and enjoyed camping, visiting Alsea Falls, travel to Belize, and trips to the Oregon Coast. They were looking forward to celebrating their 10 year anniversary at the end of this month.
Family and friends will remember Wade for his booming laugh that echoed through our lives, his kindness to friends and strangers, his gardening talents, his passion for woodworking, and epic dinners of BBQ beef ribs with decadent brownies. He always said if you got up from his table hungry it was your own dang fault.
He was famous for the stories he told to anybody who would hold still long enough. His life seemed magic and rich with unusual history. While many of his outrageous stories were pure fact, others fell under his belief that you should never let the truth get in the way of a good story.
Wade rode and loved Harley Davidson motorcycles for many years. It was a love he passed unto his children from an early age.
Most mornings, Wade could be found at Deb’s Cafe on main street in Alsea. He was a staple of local color, often riding his lawn mower down the street to Deb’s for coffee.
He is survived by his treasured wife, Mickie; sisters Linda Ebert of Corvallis and JoAnn Ebert of San Antonio, Texas; children Jonathan and Mirlandra Neuneker of Meridian, Idaho / Merlin and Rachel Ebert of Corvallis / Bill and Tami Anderson of San Antonio, Texas / Melissa Taylor of Nampa, Idaho / Erick and Lena Taylor of Nampa, Idaho / Alvin Ayers of Corvallis / Megan Seek of Salem; grandchildren Elias Chantry Ebert / Johnathan (Jack) Lionheart Wade Neuneker / Dejah Anderson / Taya Anderson / Gavin Taylor / Avaline Taylor; former wife Miriam Ebert of Corvallis. Additionally he is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and extended family that will miss him very much.
Wade’s family would like to thank all those that offered care and comfort to them during the past seven months through challenging cancer treatments. Special thanks goes to Fred of StateServ who delivered friendship along with hospital equipment and made Wade laugh. Also to Mary Marshal of Benton Hospice who went above and beyond to care for Wade and saw him as the wonderful character he was.
A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, at Fort Hoskins Historical Park, 38150 Ft. Hoskins Road, Philomath. In honor of Wade’s sweet tooth a dessert bar will follow the service. Please bring your favorite dessert to share.