Wade Thomas Verges

Wade Thomas Verges, Sr.--A Fixture in New Orleans
Wade was born in Hotel Dieu Hospital on August 15, 1943, to Louis Peter I and Grace Garic Verges. The house was a typical shotgun duplex. Everyone knew where it was because the train tracks crossed St. Claude Ave. in that block.

After World War II, his family moved to Houston, TX so his father could find employment as a sheet metal worker. They lived in Houston until Wade was in the 4th grade. They later returned to New Orleans, where Wade attended Holy Trinity School on St. Ferdinand Street. Wade transferred to Saint Francis Cabrini Catholic School in the 8th grade when the family moved to Lakeview.

Wade graduated from Cor Jesu High School and attended the Tulane University School of Architecture. In his 5th year, Wade married Joan Manzella and transferred to the University of Houston, where he graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science. He then received a teaching fellowship from the University of Washington and graduated in 1968 with a Master of Architecture.

In 1974 Wade built his home in the Lake Forest area of Eastern New Orleans. He began W.T. Verges Construction Co., Inc. and W.T. Verges Real Estate Developers. He built the four-story building which has continued to be Mr. Verges’ main office.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and surrounding parishes. Envisioning the need for major business outlets and smaller “mom-and-pop” businesses to return to the community, Wade worked tirelessly to facilitate the economic resurgence of the area. With a heavy heart, determination, and work ethic, Wade reinvested dollars and time to revitalize Eastern New Orleans. He believed Eastern New Orleans had come a long way. But still, it had a long way to go. 

Verges maintained a positive outlook on Eastern New Orleans. Like Robert Kennedy, Verges believed that some people see things as they are and ask why. “I see things and ask, “why not?” he said. I attempt to do things that other people won’t tackle. Why do I believe in the East? I’ve been here since Day 1, and I will be here till the end.” 

Besides his many contributions to the development and growth of New Orleans, Wade contributed socially, civically, and charitably to his community. His dedication and hard work earned him many prestigious awards. In 2001 Wade received The Golden Hammer Award from Mayor Marc Morial. He was also honored by The New Orleans East Business association for his economic development in Eastern New Orleans. He was seated on the Endowment Board of Loyola University, appointed by Father Carter, board member of American Bank & Trust, King of the Krewe of Pygmalion, past member of Bacchus and Babylon, and Member of the Krewe of Louisiana in Washington D.C. He served as the Chairman of the Board of The Davis-Molony Fund and a board member of Families Helping Families of SELA.

Mr. Verges continued to run his companies until the age of 79. He was a devoted Dad, Grandparent, Brother, and Boss. He was preceded in death by his parents, his two sons Christian Wade Verges Sr. and Wade Thomas Verges Jr.  He is survived by his daughters Christy Verges, Courtney Elizabeth Verges, and son W. Trenton Verges. Grandchildren Christian (Brianna), Brandon  (Stephanie), Kyle, Cristin Verges, Savannah, Charlotte, and Timothy Peachey, his siblings, Louis Peter III (Camille), Carol Mc Pherson, and Kathy Rudick (Gary).  Beloved Uncle to GW, Clay Rudick, Ali Stelly, Louis III, Michael and Mary Grace Verges. Special mention to Joan Wilkinson, Joan Verges Dantin, Bernard Slutsky, Ray Orrill, Lannie Lesher, Eddie Schmidt, Mike Fradella, and Pete Hamilton.

Wade was “larger than life” and a true legend.  Thank you to all for loving him, Big!

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral mass on Friday, February 10th at 1:15 PM in the J. Garic Schoen Chapel of Jacob Schoen and Son Funeral Home, 3827 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70119. Visitation will begin at 11:30 AM. Interment will follow the mass at St. Louis No. 3 Cemetery. To view and sign the virtual register book, please visit www.schoenfh.com.

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