Dr. Ronald G. Wade, 91, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2026.
He was born November 28, 1934 in St. Joseph to William and Revah (Scott) Wade. He grew up in Savannah, Missouri and graduated from Savannah High School in 1952. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in 1956 and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1959, both from the University of Missouri, where he was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity.
Ronald married Reta Jo Keedy on June 10, 1954. After a 62-year marriage, she preceded him in death on March 10, 2017. On June 20, 2020, Ronald married Kathy Tilbury, a beautiful relationship to his death. She survives at the home.
He joined Dr. Al Maxfield’s veterinary practice in St. Joseph in 1959, later becoming a partner and then sole owner in 1984.
He dedicated many hours to his professional activities, including affiliations with: the Pony Express Rerun 100th Anniversary in 1960; the Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation; the Dean’s Advisory Committee and Development Committee for the College of Veterinary Medicine at MU; the University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Alumni Association; and several leadership roles at the local, regional, state, and national veterinary medical associations.
Anticipating retirement, he decided to return to his passion of aviation in 1994. He had previously earned his private pilots license in 1964.
Ronald was an avid quail hunter in his younger years, and also enjoyed radio-controlled airplanes, boating and fishing, snow skiing, gardening and taking care of his lawn. He was known locally as the “Fountain Man,” taking care of the fountain on North 25th Street.
A man of faith, Ronald was an active member of Ashland United Methodist Church from 2012 until his passing. He gave of himself to patients at Mosaic Hospice and was active in Faith in Action.
Ronald gave back to his community as well, flying 2,829 hours for pleasure as well as for Young Eagles, Angel Flight Central KC MO, and several Mercy Flights, all until 2015 when he sold his Beechcraft Bonanza airplane.
His heart for service extended to many civic memberships and leadership roles: East Hills Sertoma, where he received the International Service to Mankind Award in 1971; Buchanan County Missouri University of Missouri Alumni Association; Boy Scouts of America, where he was a past troop Master, an advisor for the Veterinary Medical Explorer Post and a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say; Joyce Raye Patterson Senior Center Foundation; St. Joseph Parks and Recreation Board; St. Joseph Aviation Board; Pony Express Chapter of the Missouri Pilot Association and their state organization; Experimental Aircraft Association; Mid-America Chapter of Multiple Sclerosis; and past honoree for the St. Joseph News-Press’ Twenty Who Count.
He was always a joker to friends and family, so full of life.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Virginia Walker.
Survivors include his wife, Kathy; children, Dr. Scott Wade (Rhonda), Nan Farrell (Jay), and Chris Wade (Karolin); grandchildren, Katie Bishop, Sheldon Farrell, Ayla Vulgamott, Rhea Wade, Jane Wade, and James Wade; great-grandchildren, McKenna, Macklin, Jaxon, Bowen, Andie, Jethro, and Jolene; sister, Sharon Johnson (Jay); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 10:00 A.M. Friday, May 8, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Inurnment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, May 7, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family suggests memorial contributions to Ashland United Methodist Church, Mosaic Life Care Hospice, Angel Flight Central, or the St. Joseph Animal Shelter.
