Carroll Wade Shaddock, Jr.

Carroll Wade Shaddock, Jr. was born on August 5, 1933, in St. Patrick’s Hospital in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and died on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025. Wade attended Lake Charles city schools, and in May of 1952, enlisted in the U.S. Army. Later he entered the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in New York, subsequently graduating with the Class of 1957 and receiving a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Army, where he became an Army Ranger and a Paratrooper.

The smartest thing Wade ever did was to convince Mary Ruth (Missy) Wharton to marry him on August 15, 1959! They then served in various assignments in the U.S., Germany, and Okinawa – including Forts Benning, Bragg, Sill, & Bliss; the Command & General Staff College; NORAD Headquarters in Colorado Springs; the Pentagon; and as ROTC Professor at McNeese State University. Missy and Wade had two daughters: Cindy who was born in Germany and Becky at Ft. Sill. As Wade received each new assignment, he would excitedly say to his daughters, “Guess where we get to live next?” Each new house, apartment, or on-post quarters was quickly made into home. The constant was always family and faith.

Wade also served two one-year tours in Vietnam, as well as other short tours in Alaska, Puerto Rico, and Greenland. He received various awards for meritorious service and valor, a Combat Infantryman Badge, and a Master’s Degree in Political Science/Public Administration from the University of Kansas. Wade retired in 1979 as a Colonel.

Subsequently, Wade worked for The Powell Group as Senior VP, where he was involved in the farming, rice milling, oil and gas leasing, forestry, wholesale, and lumber industries. While there, he was also involved in developing a unique system to burn rice husks to generate electric energy. The new technology led to meetings with rice producers in Pakistan, Brazil, the Philippines, Arkansas, Texas, and California.

His final career, completed at age 89, was at The H.C. Drew Estate, a nonprofit organization that provides educational grants to public and private schools, for college scholarships, and to various other educational and nonprofit organizations in Southwest Louisiana.

Although completely dedicated to his three careers, Wade had many other qualities and interests that fulfilled his life. He felt that involvement in his local and state community was paramount. This is evidenced by the many service boards and clubs he was elected or appointed to. He was without exception an active and involved participant, often chairing and leading these organizations.

He loved sports, supporting and cheering on McNeese, LSU, KU, West Point, and even became a co-owner of the local Ice Pirates hockey team. As a young man he hunted and fished with family and friends, and he knew every bend, bayou curve, and hidden spot to find the best fishing hole.

Wade felt strongly that education and life-long learning were vital. He and Missy personally originated numerous scholarships at McNeese State University and SOWELA Technical Community College. He often inquired of people, “Are you happy in your work?” and followed that by asking a nursing student or medical professional if they needed financial help to finish their education. If so, he found a way to make it happen.

One of Wade’s strengths was mentoring younger men in our community. One way he did this was by escorting over 200 people to experience a West Point football weekend so that they may better appreciate and learn of the values and contributions of the United States Military Academy. In appreciation, and as a gift to the Academy, those individuals made a significant gift to USMA for “The Colonel Wade Shaddock, Jr. Ethics Debate Forum Endowment” to ensure West Point could send a team of Cadets each year to the National Ethics Forum Bowl competition.

Most of all, Wade cherished his family. He and Missy hosted a family Saturday lunch for many years at local restaurants, invited extended family to spend weekends at their home in Big Lake, organized and hosted cousin parties, and kept in touch by phone with out-of-town family. “Papaw” looked forward to visits with his 5 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He and Missy made sure every holiday was a family time for celebration, traditions, and just being together.

Wade is survived by his wife of 66 years, Missy, and two daughters, Cindy Hanks (Ricky) and Becky Clements (Brian). He is also survived by five grandchildren, Erin-Beth Carter (Garrett), Meghan Abraham (Ross), Taylor Clements (Camryn), Ben Clements (Katie), and Ellie Santoro (Joey), and by 10 great-grandchildren. Wade is also survived by a sister, Julia Goeller, and a brother, Tom Shaddock.

His funeral will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 in St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 123 W. Sale Rd., with The Reverand Andrew Christiansen serving as Celebrant. Inurnment will follow in the church columbarium. Visitation will be in the Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles Chapel, 4321 Lake St., on Tuesday, December 2, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation to the Ethics Debate Forum honoring Col. C. Wade Shaddock, Jr., USMA Class of 1957 (West Point Association of Graduates, 698 Mills Road, West Point, New York 10996) or to any charity close to your heart.