Paul Wade

Paul Michael Wade was born on April 18, 1953, to Marlin J. and Shirley Ann Wade in Springfield, Missouri. He passed from this life on October 13, 2025, at his beloved home that he built, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Paul grew up in the Shady Grove community on a farm along PP Highway. He attended Cabool Schools and graduated from Cabool High School in 1971. After graduation, he attended a technical school in Springfield for a couple of years before deciding to return home.

In September 1973, Paul began working at Cabool Tires. He started out in the shop doing repairs and later became the over-the-road salesman in February 1987 — a position he held until his retirement.

In 1976, while playing one of his favorite pastimes — baseball — Paul noticed a beautiful girl in the stands and knew he had to meet her. Thanks to his friend Larry Shelley, he was introduced to her, and the rest is history. On June 11, 1977, Paul married Kay at Mt. Pisgah Church.

Paul and Kay settled across the farm from his parents, placing a trailer on the land where they would one day build their dream home. For a couple of years, alongside his dad, Paul built with his own hands the home of Kay’s dreams — a true labor of love.

Paul was saved in 1979 during a fall revival and joined Mt. Pisgah Church that same year. As a skilled carpenter, he took great pride in using his talents to improve the church. He became a deacon in 1987 and faithfully served through teaching Sunday School, hosting gatherings, and organizing activities for youth and young adults. One of his greatest joys was leading the Men’s Rallies, which he organized for about 15 years.

In his spare time, Paul loved spending time outdoors on the farm, caring for his cattle and land. He was an avid Kansas City Royals fan and loved attending live games. He enjoyed playing pool with friends at the senior center, gathering for card games, and spending time in his garage doing projects. Whether building something new or fixing something old, Paul’s hands were always busy — and his heart was always in it.

His most favorite pastime was spending time with his grandsons — whether it was talking sports or finding any excuse just to be with them. He never missed an opportunity to share a story, lend a hand, or make someone laugh.

For many years, while driving his tire truck, Paul listened to cassette tapes of a preacher he had never met. In 2020, Paul and Kay decided to visit Liberty Faith Bible Church — where that very preacher was serving. From the moment they walked through the doors, they felt at home and remain devoted members there ever since.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Marlin and Shirley Wade.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Kay Wade; his children, Kayla Nel and husband, Nathan, of Springfield, and Anthony Wade of Springfield; and two grandchildren, Caedon Crouch and Greyson Nel.

Paul will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his devotion to family, his generosity, and his steady, loving spirit that touched everyone he met. His legacy of faith, family, and hard work will live on through those who loved him most.