It is with heavy hearts that we must announce the passing of Wade Hewitt on March 6, 2025. Because his heart failed him, all our hearts are broken. Wade left us in peaceful confidence for his eternal life with his Savior, Jesus Christ, with his family surrounding him. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Wade was born in Shiloh, Illinois on January 3, 1961 at Scott Air Force Base to Coretta and Roger Hewitt. His first best friends were his two brothers, Dale and Lance. A graduate of Shiloh Elementary and O’Fallon High School in 1979, Wade excelled in athletics holding records in track and field and on the football field. It was at Eastern Illinois University at Charleston, through his studies in communications and positive encouragement from his girlfriend, Debbie Wickens, that Wade was inspired to tell stories about his passion for sports through the lens of the camera! Eventually Wade told all kinds of visual stories involving popes to presidents! This passion not only took him to places all over the country, but also allowed him the opportunity to film and meet many famous celebrities and athletes alike. Wade most admired and was inspired by the ones less notable to us readers as he found so much to appreciate in each of us. Indeed, his glass was always full! Along the way Wade worked for Communitronics (1980), Channel 9 (1990), Busch Creative (1990), Free Lance All Sports (1995) and Disney ESPN (2010).
It’s hard to remember a time when there was Wade without Debbie! These college sweethearts blended their friends together to become one big fun group who remain a source of support to this day. They dated for seven years before Wade married Debbie Wickens on August 31, 1991 in Belleville, Illinois. It was a glorious journey and a love that will never end as Wade is and will always be in Debbie’s heart. “I loved every minute with Wade. I will miss his smile, his love, his jokes, and crabbiness too!”
Indeed, Wade was passionate about his career, but his real passion was his two sons Hayden and Mason. As young boys, Wade took an active role in their faith life at First Baptist Church of O’Fallon. It is evident in the young men Hayden and Mason have become, that Wade was an involved dad whose legacy will live on in his sons. The boys shared their dad’s love of football and baseball. Wrestling was always a big part of father/son bonding time too. Wade loved the outdoors in general but especially with the boys out fishing, boating and hiking. Most often his beloved dog, Sam, came along too. Leading by example, Wade brought the boys up by taking them to many different sporting events he worked at throughout their younger years. The first, and probably most important skill, the “Under-Over” technique for wrapping cable was drilled into the boys’ heads at a young age which gave the boys a huge advantage into breaking into the industry later on. Of course, constructive criticism from Wade about keeping the cable free of knots and tangles helped the boys learn quickly on what not to do. Indeed, Wade leaves a legacy in the sports media field as both boys are following in his footsteps.
Another large part of Wade’s life that he held so dear was his friendships. “No man is a failure who has friends.” Each one of you has your special story. I encourage you to leave your memories on this site to honor Hodad. He was gifted that nickname and in turn had enduring names for many of his friends. We look forward to finding comfort and sharing a laugh in each of your stories.
In quiet times of relaxation, Wade was fascinated by history; in particular the Civil War, Lincoln, and Roosevelt. He was interested in classic black and white movies and westerns too. He thought little of any movie made after 1980! The fact that his favorite sit-coms were Leave it to Beaver and The Andy Griffith Show speaks to his views on family values and love of a simpler time. We can’t be sure whose quote it may have originally been, but we only know this as Wade’s favorite quote: “If you think you can or can’t, you are right.”
Wade is preceded in death by his father, Roger Hewitt. His family left to grieve are Beloved wife Debbie, mother Coretta of Mascoutah; brother Dale and his wife Sue in Fredericksburg, Virginia; brother Lance and his wife Jennifer of O’Fallon, nieces and nephews who Wade loved dearly; Sons, Hayden Hewitt and wife, Rachel in Arizona and Mason Hewitt of O’Fallon. Also with heavy hearts are his brothers and sister-in-laws and their families: Rhonda and Geno Joshu of Millstadt, Jim and Kelly Wickens of San Antonio, Carrie and Mike Little of Belleville, Sharon and Sonny Krawietz of San Antonio, and Julie and Dave Robison of Belleville. In addition to a close inner circle of friends, Wade has touched too many lives to mention who are saddened by his passing.
It is for now that we must say goodbye, but for all that believe, we will reunite and it will be declared a glorious day!
Visitation will be held at FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH of O’FALLON, 1111 E. Hwy 50, O’Fallon, Illinois 62269, beginning at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, March 22, 2025.
A Celebration of Life service will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 22, 2025 at First Baptist Church of O’Fallon, with Pastor Doug Munton officiating.
Memorial donations are suggested, in lieu of flowers and other gifts, to either First Baptist Church O’Fallon, The Wade Hewitt Wrestling Scholarship, or National Parks Foundation.
View a photo tribute or share a memory at www.wfh-ofallon.com.
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18
