He was 86. The Chief, as he was known around the Dallas County courthouse, compiled one of the nation's lowest acquittal rates during his 35 years as district attorney. He never lost a case he personally prosecuted. He is a legend in Dallas.
Funeral services are pending.
In 1995, Dallas County commissioners named the juvenile justice center for Mr. Wade. Mr. Wade's prosecution rate was so overwhelming that defense attorneys formed a 7 percent club, representing a successful outing against his overwhelming prosecution rate. More than one defense attorney learned the hard way that Mr. Wade was no bumpkin. The late Tom Unis, who had known Mr. Wade since their days the U.S. Navy during World War II, recalls how the Rockwall native outmaneuvered celebrated defense attorney Melvin Belli during Jack Ruby's 1964 trial for the shooting of Lee Harvey Oswald. Mr. Belli died in July 1996.