Alan Ray Wade

Alan Ray Wade, 56, of Nevada, died Oct. 23, 2008, at St. Luke's Heart Institute, in Kansas City.

Alan was born Dec. 13, 1951, to Jim and Helen (Hon) Wade. He always attended Platte County Schools, graduating in 1970. He was president of his senior class and on the football team.

In 1972 he married his high school sweetheart, Diane Hetzel. Then he majored in art from William Jewel College, Liberty, graduating in 1974. His winning football team was inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007.

Sergeant Wade served with the 110th Combat Engineers from 1978 to 2000, then retiring from the National Guard.

Alan's interest in football continued as an offensive coach for both Platte County and El Dorodo Springs.

Alan moved to Nevada from Platte City to be the original teacher in Life Skills for the National Guard-sponsored Challenge Program working with behavior-challenged high-school students. Alan was with that program for 4 1/2 years until it was discontinued.

His wife, Cheryl (Stobough), accompanied Alan to Nevada. Cheryl suffered with a brain tumor for 10 years before she died in the nursing home where Alan visited with her twice every day. They were married 11 years.

Alan lived in Nevada, for the past 8 years. Lately he was a transporter for Heartland Behavioral Health Service. He always enjoyed working with children, especially teens. Akin was a loyal member of the Methodist Church in Nevada where he had many friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, Jim Wade, his wife, Cheryl, by his mother, Helen Palmer, and grandparents, George and Axle Hon.

He is survived by his daughters, Vanessa (husband, Jeremy) Christopher, Kansas City, and Tamara Wade, Canoga Park, Calif. He had four Stobough stepsons, Steven (Kelly), Patrick, Joshua, and Michael, all of Kansas City. He leaves one grandson, Mann Alan and three stepgrandchildren. In addition, he leaves one sister, Gale (Larry) of the Parkville area. Also left are his stepfather, Jim Palmer of Platte City and Jim's three children, Richard Palmer (Kathy), Imogene (Rick) Ludgate and Jim (Tracy) Palmer, all near Kansas City. He also leaves a special friend, Shirley Gannett, of Nevada and his kitty. Alan Wade will be missed by additional friends and relatives.

Visitation was held at 10 a.m., on Tuesday at First Christian Church of Platte City where Alan was formerly a member. A graveside service was officiated by his close friend and classmate, Olin Miller, with burial at Platte City. The Military Honor Guard saluted Alan at the memorial.

The family suggests memorial donations go to the Christian Church, of Platte City, or the United Methodist Church, of Nevada.