C. (Charles) Gordon Wade, 86, formerly of Villa Hills, KY and Rosemary Beach, FL. passed away Monday, February 17, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Hospital (Edgewood, KY). Gordon grew up in Latonia, KY.
After graduating from Holmes High School in Covington, KY, Gordon was awarded a full scholarship to Harvard College where he was a member of Dunster House and, with an A.B. cum laude, majoring in government, graduated with the Class of 1960.
After graduation, Gordon was recruited by Proctor & Gamble. At the time one of the youngest brand managers, he worked on many projects including the “Bold” laundry soap campaign. From there, he went to Washington DC to work for the Republican National Committee as the director of communications. He also wrote speeches for Presidents and Vice Presidents. He would return to Kentucky to work for the Republican State Central Committee, later being elected as Chairman to help oversee the election campaigns of Mitch McConnell as well as Jim Bunning. Later in life, he would consult for many Fortune 500 companies and was involved in many start-ups. Gordon was preceded in death by his parents Dewey and Zella Stephens Wade; brothers Jack and Clay Wade and sister Marilyn Wade Duff (Cline); in-laws Ervin and Vivian Ries, and several brother in-laws, sister in-laws and nieces and nephews.
Survived by his spouse Jill Ries Wade (married June 6, 1959); son August R. “Gus” (Kelly) Wade; grandson Zachary A. (Alisha) Wade and great grandchildren Brinkley, Madeline, Eva, Devyn, Lincoln and Hudson. He is also survived by his sister LaVerne Schatzman {Cornielius William} nieces Cindy Duff Talbott (Mike) and Ann Duff Rodrick (Mark) and a nephew, Scott Allen Ries (Mary) and his beloved Heidi Pup.
Special thanks to Kirk and Ann Williams as well as the angels next door, Greg and Mary Sketch. A graveside service was held on March 7, 2025 at Highland Cemetery, Ft. Mitchell, KY. Memorials may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 8050 Hasbrook Road, Suite 314, Cincinnati, OH 45236 or to American Cancer Society, 1640 Lyndon Farm Ct., Suite 104, Louisville, KY 40223.
