Our people: Clovis barber Tom Wade has helped develop city

LILIANA CASTILLO: Freedom New Mexico Tom Wade has been a barber for 52 years. When he moved to Clovis, he said there was little developed above 21st Street.

Clovis resident Tom Wade, 74, has been a part of big things in Clovis. He worked with the Junior Chamber to turn Greene Acres Park Lake from a “swamp with weeds over your head” into a park where people want to spend time.

Wade formed the Clovis Softball Association, which began with four teams and has grown to nearly 100. He recruited Guy Leeder into the CSA.

Wade also served on the Ned Houk Park board for 20 years. During his tenure, the board created the lake on the south side of the park, built the band shell which is named after Wade, and covered picnic seating for 120 people.

Wade has worked as a barber in his own store for 52 years. He’s heard that people tell everything to their barber and said it’s true to some extent. Mostly, Wade said he enjoys visiting with old friends and making new ones in the barber chair.

Wade also enjoys hunting, fishing and gardening.