Obituary of Kade Hawkins Wakefield

Kade Hawkins Wakefield April 14, 2002 – March 26, 2025 With aching hearts and abiding hope, we share that Kade Hawkins Wakefield died on March 26, 2025, while serving at sea aboard the USS Normandy with the United States Navy. He was 22 years old. Kade, born April 14, 2002, moved through life with quiet strength. He asked for nothing in return, offering kindness freely and bearing others' struggles with steady resolve. His compassion was constant, a silent force that drew people to him. With humble love, he gave selflessly, finding joy in serving others. Kade consistently supported others during their most challenging times, providing comfort and hope, and ultimately became a steadfast beacon of peace and strength. Kade's journey to becoming the man he was did not come easily, but it was one of growth and transformation. In his recent college application essay, he wrote: "In my time in the Navy I have been to over 20 different countries, I've been to the Arctic Circle and pulled "all nighters' where the sun never sets, I've been to the beaches of Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day on its namesake ship. I've seen many strange and fantastic sights and met more people than I ever could have imagined in my previous small town life. I started at the very bottom of the totem pole as a Seaman and worked my way up through hard work to be a leader of over thirty men and women just like I was. I've faced innumerable challenges in my journey and overcome them all, and in the process became something altogether greater than I was before." Kade was a young man of quiet faith, trusting in Jesus not only in word, but in the way he lived - with humility, integrity, and a heart tuned toward others. Even in death, we trust that Kade is now in the presence of his Savior, whole and at peace. Kade is the dearly loved son of Bryan and Bree (McChesney) Wakefield, cherished brother to Madigan Wakefield, and the beloved grandson of Heidi (Yeager) and Jack Garland, Bruce and Carla (Ashley) McChesney, and Linda (Penrod) Wakefield. He was preceded in death by his grandfather William Wakefield. His great-grandmother Shirley (Johnson) McChesney survives him and carries his memory with deep pride. Kade's legacy of love and service lives on in his aunts and uncles: Penny (Wakefield) & Paul Shank, Jennifer (Wakefield) & Brett Yeager, Jake & Tina McChesney, Brian & Christine Garland, Tangi Scott, and Jeremy & Rebecca Burkhart, as well as many cousins, fellow sailors, and friends who cherished him deeply and considered him a brother. A service to honor Kade's life and faith will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025, at Emmanuel Community Church, 237 E. Miller St., Elmira, NY - on what would have been his 23rd birthday, at 11 am. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 am. All are welcome. Kade will be laid to rest in Woodlawn National Cemetery in Elmira at 1 pm with military honors. In honor of Kade's heart for others, the family invites memorial donations to Mosaic of the Southern Tier, P.O. Box 944, Elmira, NY 14902 www.mosaicsoutherntier.org/supporters, a ministry dedicated to walking with women and men facing unexpected pregnancies with truth, love, and hope. Kade's life was a gift, and though we grieve deeply, we do not grieve without hope. We rest in the promise that in Christ, this goodbye is not the end. "Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:21