Melvin Wade Courter

February 20, 1960 - November 4, 2020

Melvin "Wade" Courter, 60, of Centralia, passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, IN. Wade was born February 20, 1960 in Vincennes, IN, the son of Melvin D. "Skinny" Courter and Laura (Wininger) Courter. He married Sharon Johns on November 7, 1987 in Benton, IL but, they have been joined by God for thirty-six years and she survives him in Centralia. In addition to his wife Sharon, he is also survived by nine children: Tara Landwehr and husband Dave of Wentzville, MO, Holly Miller and husband Brian of Centralia, Michele Gulley of Benton, Adam Biagi and wife Molly of Salem, Timothy Courter and wife Melissa of Marion, Melinda Phelps of Centralia, Andy Calvin of Centralia, Alicia Courter of Benton, and Melanie Jackson and husband Mason of Centralia; twenty-one grandchildren; one brother: Steve Courter and wife Joyce of Terre Haute, IN; one sister: Carol Strate and husband Ray of Germantown; nephew: Eric Strate and wife Wanda of Coulterville; special neighbor friends: Bruce, Sally, and Archie; and several nieces and nephews. Wade was preceded in death by his parents: Melvin "Skinny" and Laura Courter; one brother: Charles Michael Courter. Wade was known for being the life of the party. He lit up any room with his charm. In his younger years, Wade was the lead singer in his band the Mirazh. He was proud of recieving his state certified coal miner's exam achievement award, as did his grandfather and father. He was a man of God and believed in his Lord and Savior. Most of all, Wade's pride and joy was his wife Sharon, his children, and grandchildren. A visitation for Melvin "Wade" Courter will be held Sunday, November 8, 2020 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. Due to recent health concerns, masks and social distancing will be required with only 25 in the building at a time. A Private family service will be held at a later time with Burial in Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Judes Children's Research Hospital and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street in Centralia, Illinois 62801 (618) 532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Courter family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home's Facebook page