John was born October 4, 1951, in Pratt Memorial Hospital, Pratt, Ks, to Georgene Elizabeth (Baird) and Edward William Wade. John was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by brothers Gregg (Martha) Wade, Pratt, and Edward (Laurinda) Wade, Wichita, and his sister Liz Wade, Kansas City, KS. He was especially fond of his niece Sarah Hartwig, his nephew William Wade and his great nephew Oaksen. 

John graduated from Pratt High School, Pratt Community College, and Pittsburg State University with a degree in Political Science. He worked in and around the railroad industry most of his adult life, beginning as a “gandy dancer” during college then transitioning into railroad equipment sales, with his invention of the Keg Karrier. He spent most of his professional career with Portec Rail Products of Pittsburg, PA, then Herzog Railroad Services of St. Joseph, MO. He enjoyed the road, meeting people, exploring the country and developing product improvements.  He spent time in the Saint Louis area but called Lenexa, Kansas home for 40 years. He lived his last 5+ years in Coralville, Iowa where he found excellent pulmonary care at the University of Iowa Medical Center, great landlords and comradery at the American Legion.

John was well respected by his peers and over the years cultivated friends from coast to coast. John loved to spend time with his friends and dogs. When he had the opportunity, he was an avid hunter and sportsman, liked to dig holes, climb rocks, play cards and to ‘discuss’ weighty and not so weighty subjects. John had a passion for history, leading him to the National World War I Museum and Memorial where he volunteered until his move to Iowa for his lung transplant. He was a longtime member of the Elks and Sons of the American Legion.

There are two opportunities to toast or roast John:

Saturday, May 18           Saturday, June 8 

4 p.m. to 8 p.m.              4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Elks                                VFW/American Legion

1103 W 5^th St                 9550 Pflumm Rd

Pratt, Kansas                 Lenexa, KS

Except when intended for Mothers, John would think flowers a waste of money. Should friends desire, contributions should be made to your favorite charity. His were the National World War I Museum and Memorial, Kansas City, MO, the Pratt Historical Society, VFW Post 7397 Charity, Lenexa, KS, or the American Legion Post 721 Charity, Coralville, IA.

John will be missed by many, most especially his family and close friends.