Michael Shade

Michael Franklin Shade (Mike) passed peacefully from this world on 10/28/2022,
(after an amazing 12 year battle against dementia) to a better place with family and friends waiting for him. Mike was born on 11-13-1943 and raised in Joplin from birth by his parents Harry and Helen (Reed) Shade. It could sound like a riddle; What do you see driving down almost any street in Joplin or the area? or, What do you see looking into almost any yard or park? You will see Mike Shade has been there. If you see “Flaming” Red Maples, American Elms, Craype Myrtles, Green Giants, Magnolias, Butterfly Bushes, plus so many, many, more, it is likely he was part of it being there. He planted the National Arboretum collection of Magnolias in Ewert Park right on 7th street. In the spring you can see the beauty and smell the fragrance just driving by.
Mike was a 1961 graduate of Joplin High school. In 1961, Mike entered the U.S. Army. Leaving with the distinction of Green Beret in 1964. Graduating from MU in the early 70’s, Mike, with partner Vic Colson, started the Botany Shop Garden Center on S. Main Street in Joplin. Then in a few years he moved to 15th Street and finally to 7th and Minnesota. During his years of owning the Botany Shop, he also took great pride in piloting his own plane and would often share the experience with others’. Mike then added a growing farm west of town and started an online business shipping Green Giants and berry varieties around the country. Many of the plants were actually born (propagated) at the Botany Shop. Over 50 Years, Mike provided some of the best plants and trees available to the Joplin area. Mike was on the board of Missouri Botanical Garden “Plants of Merit” which evaluated the best plants for Missouri. Until dementia, Mike would drive through town and point out and describe almost every tree and shrub.
Mike is survived by his wife: Patti of Joplin, MO; two children by his first marriage to Eve Shade – Cory Shade and (Shari)(grandaughter Slone Shade) Fort Lauderdale, FL. – Michael Shade and Elizabeth of Boston, MA. (grandson Spencer Shade and granddaughter Sophia Shade). Step daughter Courtney Leslie and her husband Peter of Spalding, NE and their 3 sons, Spencer, Izek and Luke. Mike is preceded in death by his Father, Harry Shade, his mother Helen (Reed) Shade, and also his Nephew, Jeff Mueller. They will now be together.

A Graveside Service will be held Monday October 31; 10 am, at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery of Joplin, Mo. It is to be a celebration of his life. Condolences can be made online. If you have a minute add a photo of a plant from Mike.