Rev. John Randolph Bade, pastor, author, poet, and friend to all, passed away March 2, 2016.
He is survived by his wife Rev. Robin McCullough-Bade, son Michael Bade and his fiancé Alisha Rosa. John fought the good fight against Parkinson’s Disease for over 26 years and provided hope to those who daily face adversity. His gentle strength and beautiful smile brought the best out of those he met. He helped create Movers and Shakers, a local Parkinson’s support group. He embodied his mantra “Peace, Courage, and Strength!” John was born in Cuero, DeWitt County, Texas on Dec.3, 1957, the sixth child of Heinie and Frieda Bade. He was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Arneckeville and confirmed at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Cuer.
After attending Cuero Public Schools, he attended Texas Lutheran University (Seguin) and Trinity Lutheran Seminary (Columbus, Ohio). John was named Outstanding Alumni of TLU in 2006. He served as pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church (Baton Rouge, Louisiana), Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (Austin), and several interim congregations. He was chaplain at Texas Lutheran College (Seguin) and served as lay associate at Palm Valley Lutheran Church (Round Rock). He and his wife co-wrote over 300 Bible Studies for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
He was author of multiple magazine articles and several books including “Will I Sing Again? Listening for the Melody of Grace in the Silence of Illness and Loss.” In addition, he combined his keen mind for theology, love of music, and visual images to create inspiring multimedia presentations, especially for the Interfaith Federation of Greater Baton Rouge. He is survived by siblings Lawrence Bade (Sharon), David Bade (Linda), Margaret Drushel (Roger), Lois Tolbert (Butch), Bernice Huie (Bob), as well as sisters-in-law Karen Higgins, Ellen Brabson (John) and Claudia Bade.
John is a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother Norman.
Calling hours will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday, March 4 at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 5 at 10:30 a.m. at Broadmoor United Methodist Church, 10230 Mollylea Drive, Baton Rouge followed by a reception at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2021 Tara Blvd. The funeral will be on Tuesday, March 8, 10:30 a.m. at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Cuero with burial at the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery, Arneckeville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Interfaith Federation of Greater Baton Rouge, 3112 Convention St., Baton Rouge, LA, 70806 or the charity of your choice. Please share sympathies at www.rabenhorst.com.
You may sign the guest book or send condolences at www.freundfuneralhome.com. Freund Funeral Home, 361-275-2343.