Merlin "Wizard" Randall Grade

Merlin “Wizard” Randall Grade, 74, passed away on Monday, September 25, 2023, in a local hospital. He was a native of Arkansas City, Kansas and was a resident of Madisonville, La.  Wizard was a United States Army Veteran serving in the Vietnam War with the Rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2. As a Chinook Helicopter Air Pilot, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Army Aviator Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Air Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm Medal. After the war, he settled in the New Orleans area. Wizard was a member of AA where he was a Leader and Sponsor for many years. Wizard belonged to many sailing clubs with the New Orleans Yacht Club. He retired as a Sales Manager from the Oilfield Industry. Wizard was an avid reader, loved racing sailboats, visiting with his many friends and family and travelling the world.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Norris and Edith Grade, Sister, Catherine Houston and Brother, Norman Grade.

Wizard is survived by his Brother, Nolan Grade and wife Lynn of St. Peters, Missouri, Nephew, Craig Grade and wife Jodi of O’Fallon, Missouri, Nieces, Melinda Grade of St. Louis, Missouri, Denise Crittenden and husband Chad of Winfield, Kansas, Great Nephews, Dustin and Jared Crittenden of Winfield, Kansas, Great Nieces, Taylor and Hannah Grade of O’Fallon, Missouri, Great Great Nephew, Barrett Crittenden of Winfield, Kansas and a Great Great Niece Cora Fay Crittenden of Winfield, Kansas.  

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. Cremation was entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home of Covington, La.

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