Wilhelmina Hamer

MONROE — Wilhelmina Simmons Hamer, 87, died Friday (Oct. 9, 2009) at Carolinas Medical Center-Union.

She was married to the late Eugene F. Hamer.

Arrangements will be announced by McEwen Funeral Home.

Wade Secrest

MONROE — Mr. Wade Secrest, age 85, died Friday, October 9, 2009, at Lake Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Indian Trail, N.C. Wade was born February, 18, 1924, son of the late Clarence and Ellie Broome Secrest. His ancestors came to America from Switzerland in the mid 1700s and were early settlers of Union County, N.C. While he was a third-year student at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, and a member of the Naval ROTC program, he was called to active duty during WWII. For his metrious duty during WWII and the Korean War, he was awarded the following medals: The Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with five engagement stars, the China Service Medal, WWII Victory Metal and the American Campaign Medal. During peace time he was an engineer on naval ships out of the port of Newport, R.I. Also, he was commandant of the Naval Training Centers in McKeesport, Pa, and Columbus, Ga., and lastly the Naval Reserve Center in Charlotte, N.C. After his honorable discharge from the Navy after 22 years, he returned to Union County and managed for 35 years his families’ large cattle farm on Weddington Road. Mr. Secrest is survived by his wife of 63 years, Bettie Sturgis Secrest; sons, Samuel Wade Secrest and Sandy Gellis of Asheville, N.C., Michael Secrest and Susan Amadore of Monroe, N.C., Ned Secrest and wife Lynn of Spartanburg, S.C.; daughters, Patricia Secrest Ross and husband Tom of Monroe, N.C., Dr. Corinne Secrest Goodwin and husband Stephen of Matthews, N.C.; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Wade enjoyed fishing with his grandsons at the family farm, he wanted to leave them with fond memories. Memorial services to celebrate the life of Wade will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 11. 2009, at Central United Methodist Church columbarium, with Rev. Sally Goodwin officiating. Inurnment will follow in the columbarium. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Lake Park Nursing Center for their skilled and kind service to Mr. Secrest. Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. McEwen Funeral and Cremation Service of Monroe is assisting the family of Mr. Secrest.

PAID OBITUARY