Wayde Wendell

Wayde Warren William Wendell, age 63, devoted husband, adored father, and friend to many, passed away Saturday, the 21st of August 2021, in Houston, Texas. Wayde was born in Corpus Christi, Texas and grew up in his beloved hometown of Rockport, Texas. He attended the Woodberry Forest School in Virginia and continued his education at the University of Texas at Austin where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Land Management and later obtained an MBA in Finance. Throughout his college years he was an active member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.

Wayde started his career in the oil and gas industry in Houston, Texas. He was a petroleum land man for many years and later moved on to Raucher Pierce in Houston where he became a successful stockbroker. Wayde was also a project manager for Jalco, Inc. and the City of Houston. He managed and cultivated many projects in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Wayde loved managing his job sites and being such a vital part of their development for both the City and the community. Wayde and his wife, Laura, later retired back to Rockport where they were fortunate enough to spend the last decade of his life.

Wayde and his family’s love of Rockport, saw him heavily involved in the community sponsored Wendell Family Fireworks display held every 4th of July for the past 56 years. Wayde loved the 4th of July in Rockport and was a pyrotechnician for the show for many years. He and his brother, Shawn and sister, Jill have been instrumental in continuing the legacy and tradition that his parents started in 1965.

Wayde loved the outdoors, especially in Rockport. His true passions were hunting and fishing. He loved being out on the water bay or gulf fishing or hunting with his brother or many friends in South Texas. He especially enjoyed taking family and friends out on the family party barge for sunset cruises and canal hopping. But most of all, he loved being with his family and always being present and cheering on his children’s many sports activities as they grew up.

Wayde had a heart of gold, an amazing, contagious smile and the most infectious laughter you ever heard. He was extremely kind and endearing to all who were lucky enough to know him. He will be tremendously missed by all. We love you daddy, and you will always be kept safe and secure in our hearts forever.

Wayde is preceded in death by his parents, Jan and Jerry Wendell, mother and father-in-law, Shirley and Lee George, brother-in-law Chris Shepherd, and niece Jessica Smith. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Laura Wendell; his children, Katy Fletcher and husband, John, and William Wendell and wife, Inna; his brother, Shawn Wendell, and wife, Lisa; his sister, Jill Wendell. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Diana George and husband, Dan, Jennifer George, and Suzanne George; brother-in-law, David George and wife, Elaine; nieces and nephews, Blake Broussard, Blaine Broussard, Brielle Wendell, Caroline Wendell, Collins Howell, Brennan Howell, Kelly Maddux and husband, Bryan, Ryan Smith, Shawn Smith, Natalie Shepherd, Collin Shepherd and wife, Hayley, Stephanie George, and Lauren George; and great-nieces and nephews, Jackie Jarrah, Brody Maddux, and Kylar Maddux. He also leaves behind a countless treasure of friends who were forever touched by his generous and fun loving spirit.

A private service will be held.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family kindly suggests contributions be directed in memory of Wayde Wendell to the Texas Parks and Wildlife.

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