Donald Wade

Donald Lee Wade, 79, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully in his home on September 29, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 13, 1942, to Vernon Glen Wade and Lillian Delouris Willis. He married the love of his life, Rena Gaddis, on January 28, 1982. They celebrated 39 years of marriage earlier this year.

After graduating from Platte County High School, he served honorably in the U.S. Navy. Upon being discharged, Don began his career with Trans World Airlines (TWA) and retired 36 years later from what became American Airlines.  After retirement Don didn’t slow down.  He and Rena continued remodeling and maintaining their numerous duplexes.

Don was a quiet man, and when he spoke it was meaningful to those he loved. He was caring, humble, and regularly helped friends, family, and strangers without expecting anything in return. Don had a strong commitment to family and loved spending the majority of his time outdoors.  He loved soaking up the sun, building decks and fences for family and neighbors, gardening, going to his farms in Bethany, Missouri, where fond memories were made hunting, crappie fishing, and playing poker.  All of his children and grandchildren would go on family vacations to many different lakes, canoe trips, Gulf Shores, Kauai, and other destinations. He will forever be missed by those who loved him.

Don is preceded in death by his parents and only sibling: Judith Kaye Pearson.

He is survived by his wife Rena; son: Scott (Jami) Wade; daughters: Tracy Wade, Renee (John) Cool; Ellen Wry; and Carla (Josh) Drummond; grandchildren: Tayler, Michael, Isaiah, Meyer, Alison, Jacob, Darby and grandchildren by extension: Shawnte, Tyrell, and Heather

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, 8401 Colesville Road, Suite 200, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

Services will be held at the Terrace Park Funeral Home and Cemetery. Friday, October 8. The visitation will be from 9:00-10:30 a.m. and funeral following at 10:30 a.m. Family will receive guests afterwards at the family home, 5901 NW 66th Terrace, KC, MO 64151