Wade Sanders, known by so many as the “Cowtown Wine Dude”, passed away April 14, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. Wade is survived by his wife of 20 years, Anne Sanders; his children, Dallas (20) and Lawson (16); parents, Nick and Lynda Sanders, and adoring nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be missed by many friends and family that love him. Wade Lawson Sanders was born January 11, 1972 in Arlington, Texas. He was named after Nick’s grandfather, Lawson Coulson, who was the first pharmacist in Corsicana, which he was very proud of. Wade’s thirst for knowledge began at a very young age as he soaked in all that was taught to him by his parents as they learned quickly that nothing seemed to go over his head and his always playful personality earned him the nickname of “Tater”. He attended Dallas Christian from his elementary years through graduation where he and his lifelong friends made countless memories through football, theatre, and plain ol’ goofing around. Wade’s love of music also began at a young age as he picked up drumsticks at the age of 4 years old where he learned he was naturally talented at music too. He attended Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa for two years, where he learned how to play the guitar alongside one of his best friends and roommate. He returned to Texas to complete his degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management at the University of Houston and continued to learn and enhance his love of music by attending as many live shows as possible and being heavily influenced by his favorite artists; Stevie Ray Vaughan and Doyle Bramhall. He learned quickly that he chose the right career path for himself as he began working at Semolina Pasta Bar restaurant in Houston that allowed him to utilize his “gift of gab” and ability to sell anything to anyone through his dynamic delivery. He then worked for Reata Restaurant in Fort Worth for a short time before being promoted to General Manager at the Alpine location. It is there that he fell in love with Anne, as well as the beautiful landscape and personality of West Texas. Wade and Anne moved to Fort Worth in 1999, where they got married and had their daughter, Dallas. He was an impactful presence in March of 2000 at Reata when the devastating tornado hit downtown Fort Worth as he assisted over 400 guests and employees down 35 floors of the Bank One Tower to safety; afterwards, he always boasted that his new nickname should be “Tornado Tater”. He continued working in the restaurant industry honing his skills as a chef and wine expert for the following years in the DFW area as he and Anne completed their family by having their son, Lawson in 2003. In 2006, he began working in the wine industry to begin a new career path that filled his need to always learn more and was sure to pass on the knowledge with so many others in the industry in his magnanimous way. It was then that he became known as the “Cowtown Wine Dude” with a generous spirit that loved everyone he served for their differences and had an approachable and quirky style; he worked hard to never let anyone down from late night questions, last minute orders, or assistance with charity events. As much as Wade loved his career and friends, nothing would touch the love for his kids and wife. He showed his pride of both sides of his family and love for Texas by continuing the legacy of naming both of his kids after beloved family members. He shared his passion for soccer with Dallas; love of music with Lawson; belief in Anne’s strength and work ethic before she knew what she was capable of; and his ability to make others laugh with each of them. He made sure to incorporate the importance of learning, accepting others, and holding onto the little things that REALLY matter into their daily life as they grew up. He made a difference at every one of the kids’ practices and sporting events he attended by influencing not only his children but many of their friends and parents with his passionate and one-of-a-kind jokester personality. He was Dallas and Lawson’s biggest cheerleader and motivator; being sure to not always focus on their successes but more on how proud he was of the attempts they made to try new things or stand up for others, often quoting a Billy Joe Shaver song, “If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.” His pride in Dallas and Lawson and the people they have become was boastful and unwavering. Wade’s name is carved on our hearts, not a tombstone. His legacy is etched into the minds of friends and revealed in the stories we share about him. Travel on “dude”, you will always be with us and will never be forgotten. Due to current limitations on large gatherings, the family has decided to postpone service plans until we are all able to be together to truly celebrate Wade in the way he deserves. In lieu of flowers, the Sanders’ Family College Fund has been set up in Wade’s honor. If you would like to donate, please make checks payable to “College America” with the memo “Sanders College Fund” and mail all checks to Joe Jenkins Insurance, c/o Sanders College Fund, 1475 Heritage Parkway, Suite 325, Mansfield, Texas 76063
18 Responses
I played soccer with Wade. He was just so cool. I loved him. He was proud of himself for continuing to compete on the pitch long after most people stop making the time for it in their busy lives. But if he wasn’t traveling on Sunday, he was leading Turf Luck into victories, losses, fun, and friendships. I cherish the once or twice when he and I talked a little politics. How many times do people say that these days? But he was smart and had a lot of wise words. He could see things from a historical perspective and on a big picture type of way. And maybe that somehow relates to how chill he managed the team. He would just pay the entire season’s fees and trust we would end up paying our parts later. . Once when I accidentally didn’t pay my fair share, he told me not to worry about it. It showed me a man who knew what was truly important in life, ya know? The last thing I’ll mention is a memory that I keep going back to of one of the last times Wade scored. He had not scored for a while. We were all waiting for it and rooting him on just like he did to everyone else. He just kept taking shot after shot each game. Gave his all. This went on for a few games. So many close ones, ridiculously so. It got to the point that we would all laugh in disbelief, Wade having almost as much fun marveling at the defying ricochets as he would scoring I think. Then… It was a beautiful shot. Followed by an uproar. A great time I’ll remember forever now. The whole thing symbolizes how he lived his life on and off the field.
I miss my nephew, Wade “The Wine Dude” Sanders, mightily. His legacy lives on in his dear wife Anne and his precious children, Dallas & Lawson. Peace🕊
Uncle Tim McClure & Family
It was with a heavy heart when I received news about Wade! First thing I think of is his infectious smile and his ability to be friends with all! Our prayers for the Sanders Family will be for that Spirit of Comfort that only our Lord and Savior can give! God bless! Love you all!
The Eskridge Family
My heart is broken for your family and I pray that God delivers you peace and comfort.
Wade will be missed terribly and his memoirs will always be with us.
I am so sorry for your loss of Wade. Even though you and I have not been around each other much over the years, you are still family. I grew up with Roy and miss him greatly. May you and all your family find comfort in God’s word.
I worked with Wade for almost 6 years at my first gig after college in the wine industry. He was my go-to when I needed help, a good laugh, motivation or how to sell wine. Till this day he was one of my favorite colleagues and I don’t know if he ever knew that? He would always say “Ft.Worth gets a bad rap but really it’s just too cool of a city for Dallas”. He always doted about his family. Years after we went to different companies I loved keeping up on his fb. I like so many were shocked and saddened of the news. He was one cool dude and one of kind spirit that impacted soo many lives and truly we are all a better person for have knowing him.
Open up a bottle of The Dude and think of him; a smile always comes to mind when I think of Wade Sanders.
What a wonderful gift I was given when the Sanders came into my life. I’ve known them all of my life. Wade and my son Jimmy met in Sunday school. Wade, from he beginning had the most beautiful smile and a bright twinkle in his eyes would always go along with that smile. Wade will be missed very much by my family. Wade was raised by extremely wonderful parents. I pray many times daily for peace, comfort and God’s Holy Spirit to surround Lawson, Dallas, Anne, Nick and Lynda with the comforting love that only he can give.
Until we meet again Wade.
Gloria
I’ve known Wade and the Sanders family from our summers spent at Sionito church camp in Bandera, Texas. My most recent and very fond memory of Wade was from just a few years back. I went out to dinner with a friend, at a restaurant where Wade was the chef. While the meal he prepared was excellent, the cherry on top came when Wade presented us with his famous Dr Pepper Pear for dessert. No one else in the restaurant was privileged enough to get to order this amazing dish. After serving is, Wade even found the time to stay and visit with us for a bit. This special treatment caused quite a stir and we were stared at like we were celebrities! Wade showed his love for others by sharing his gifts and talents and finding ways to make every ordinary person feel incredibly special. I’ve loved continuing the special friendship that started with Wade and his parents and continues with Anne, Dallas and Lawson. Sending hugs and so many prayers for all of you.
Much love,
Trudy (Klaus) Lee
We are so sad to hear of your son’s death. You have been through a lot recently and our hearts go out to you! May God bring you the peace and strength you need.
We remember you from when we were in the N.E.Texas District, many years ago.
Anne, I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband, Wade. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Julie (Rector) Huber
We grieve with you dear friends, Nick and Lynda! Wade certainly inherited the magnetism of you two. I can just imagine how vibrant your household must have been when Wade was growing up, all three of you making your high marks as years marched on, and to this very time. We weren’t part of your lives then, but we are now and are quite aware of Wade’s accomplishments, as well as those of his parents. Praying every day, many times for you two and Anne, Dallas and Lawson. Love, Kelly and Scott Bradley, Westlake
There is no doubt that the memory of Wade is a blessing to his family and all who knew him.
Dear Mayor and Lynda,
Our thoughts and prayers have been with both of you and your family in this difficult time of passing of your beloved son Wade.
May God continue showering His blessings on his beautiful soul who has touched so many hearts!
We pray that He gives strength to you, his wife and children in this most difficult time!
“…..He hath abandoned this mortal life and hath flown to the kingdom of immortality, yearning for the favor of meeting Thee.
O Lord, glorify his station, shelter him under the pavilion of Thy supreme mercy, cause him to enter Thy glorious paradise, and perpetuate his existence in Thine exalted rose garden, that he may plunge into the sea of light in the world of mysteries.
Verily, Thou art the Generous, the Powerful, the Forgiver and the Bestower.”
Prayer from the Baha’i Faith
Much love,
Farrah and James Hamraie
May God bring you comfort and peace. Your family will continue in my prayers in your time of such a great loss.
Love to all of you.
I want to extend my sympathy for your loss. Take comfort that your separation from Wade is only temporary.
Jesus said unto her, “I am the resurrection and the Life. He that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live — John 11:25
God bless this precious family of lifelong friends. Wade will not be forgotten.
Prayers to the Sanders Family and May gods host of angles assend around to carry you through this time
Our hearts were torn in two when in April Wade left us way too soon. He was just a young kid who had so much more to give. He loved rock music, he loved Guns 4 Roses, he loved live music and supported his friends in the local tribute scene, many of whom will miss seeing his smiling face in the front row.
We will miss you Wade, Rest In Peace my friend.