From the Press Release
Loren Wade took his first job at the age of 12 and he’s still going strong, ready to turn 103 tomorrow.
Three years ago, Wade was recognized by Experience Works as America’s Outstanding Oldest Worker in 2012. Wade and his employment with the Winfield, Kansas Walmart was highlighted during festivities at the National Press Club in Washington. Working 30 hours a week, Wade said he walked at least three miles a day, as he stocked shelves, worked the cash register, and changed merchandise displays in the pet department. He was credited for knowing where everything is located within the store.
Wade started his 90 plus years in the workforce in the town of Winfield. Before the depression, made iron and aluminum castings, and went on to work at the Ford Garage, where he earned $12 for a 60-hour workweek.
“If you could get a job, you grabbed it,” he said, making ends meet by driving a truck and ushering at the Nile Theatre in town.
During World War II he served 43 months in the Air Force in India and China. After the war he had his own business laying carpet, sanding floors, and installing ceramic tile, and a couple of jobs with the U.S. Postal Service. In 1983 he left his mail carrier job but was not yet ready to retire. That’s when he found employment at the Winfield Walmart – where he continues to work today.
Walmart will host a birthday party for Wade tomorrow, who is a role model for all ages. The celebration will be featured in an upcoming segment of the Today Show.
Experience Works is national nonprofit organization providing training, community service, and employment opportunities for older workers in 30 states and Puerto Rico.
To learn more, visit www.experienceworks.org