Roger Allen Wade, 73, of Joplin, MO, passed away on April 30, 2025, at home surrounded by his family after a year-long battle with cancer. On May 4th a Celebration of Life was held at his home with well over a hundred people coming to share stories of how he impacted their lives. Roger was born July 23, 1951, in Joplin, MO, the son of Jack and Imogene Wade. He attended school in Joplin, MO, Atlantic, IA, Omaha, NE and Springfield, MO. He worked as a lineman from Arizona, Utah, and ending in Nevada for two life changing years. Returning to Joplin he married Sandra Overfelt of Kansas City, KS in October of 1975. They chose to settle in Joplin, MO, where he worked for Cablecom then Audio Acoustics, and raised their family in the same house restoring it together over the last 44 years.
Roger was a prolific self-taught artist who began drawing and painting as a child but never stopped honing his craft with many different mediums. Later in life, he took lessons in Joplin, MO, at Local Color from Paula Giltner, whom he was proud to call a friend.
A devoted family man he brought endless laughter and joy to everyone he knew with a fast wit and excellent storytelling. He devoured music, loved to dance, was a skilled craftsman, loved spending time at area lakes, and traveled with his wife to every national park he could.
Roger is survived by his beloved wife, Sandy Wade, with whom he shared over 49 years of laughter and unwavering partnership, his daughters Rheana Wade-Macios (husband Stuart, daughter Julia her daughter Bea Zuniga, who he waited to meet, and their sons Reese and Carson) and Michelle Wade, his brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Karen Wade, and cousin and best friend, Rocky Niles. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Imogene and Jack Wade, and his sister Darlene Garrison.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who had the privilege of meeting him and loving him. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend, and neighbor.
He put a lot of good and beauty into the world before he left it which to him was all a person needed to do to succeed. In his honor listen to good music, tell some stories, visit family/friends, check in on the ones you love as much as possible, and donate to your favorite animal charities.
Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory of Joplin, MO.