Death of Barbara Dade, Former Missionary in the Democratic Republic of Congo

It is with sadness that the Division of Overseas Ministries/Global Ministries announces the passing of former missionary, Barbara Bates Dade, on March 20, 2010.  Barbara, along with her husband, Edgar, served in Congo from 1950-1959.  Barbara served as the mission secretary at Bolenge, preparing reports on education, evangelism, medical work, and other services, as well as working with young women at the Girls School.  Barbara kept three adventuresome boys who roamed around the mission station out of trouble, particularly during extended absences of Edgar when he was traveling on building projects in the back country.    Barbara and Edgar’s home became a center of hospitality for missionaries and church leaders from around the world.

Barbara’s former minister, the late Dr. A. Dale Fiers, once commented that, “Barbara was deeply spiritual and had a quiet vitality about her which gave outward expression to strong Christian convictions.  She was preoccupied with things of basic value and with the enduring relationships of life and a concern for others.  He continued, “I was not surprised when some years later I found that she and her husband were interested in sharing a portion of their lives on the foreign mission field.”

Barbara’s husband, Edgar, died in 2002.  They leave behind three sons, Vaughn Emery, Thomas Merrill, and David Charles.  There will be a memorial service on April 3, 2010, 11:00 a.m., at Hiram Christian Church, Hiram, Ohio.  Notes of condolence for the family may be sent to:  David and Karen Dade, 6332 Pioneer Trail, Hiram, OH  44234.  The family suggests that memorial gifts go the scholarship fund for Protestant University of Congo, North American Liaison Bureau, P.O. Box 545, Penney Farms, FL  32079