Wade N. Spence

Wade Neal Spence, 52, of Mexico, lived until September 5, 2010. He was released from this world to join his Lord and Savior with many of the family members who he had loved and guided at his side, and with the love, support and prayers of his many friends.

Wade was born June 10, 1958, in Bentonville, Arkansas to Neal J. Williams and Wilma Evelyn Holland. In his lifetime, he loved playing baseball and along with his brother Charlie, was a fan of the Dodgers. He enjoyed writing songs, singing and playing his guitar along with his friend Tom, whom he had hoped to make into a fan of country music. Wade loved his books and spending time studying scripture. He served as a mentor and teacher to many Bible Study groups. His most recent writing project was to be a book on his study of the Book of James.

Wade was a tireless messenger for his Lord. He said his mission was To promote unity in the body, equip the saints for service, and create opportunities for all to grow in grace and knowledge by passionately modeling the life of Christ, faithfully teaching the Word of God, and lovingly serving others.

Called to the ministry in 1978, Wade earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies. He pastored the Pleasant Hills Baptist Church, Washburn, Mo., Union Hall, El Dorado Springs, Mo., First Baptist, Morehouse, Mo., Everett Baptist, Kennett, Mo., First Baptist, Cuba Mo., Mexico Community Church, and the Christian Church of Laddonia. Wade went on to earn a Master of Social Work from the University of Missouri. He was a therapist for the Arthur Center and served as Director of The Hope Center.

Sharon and Wade were married July 10, 1993. Together they made a home filled with love and laughter, which was visited often by family and friends. Wade is Dad/Pa to Randall Janes and Kim, Springfield, Mo; Rachel Stephens and, Mike, Springfield, Drew Spence, Kirksville, Mo., Jeff Blackburn and Janna, Mexico, Randy Blackburn and Catina, Mexico, and Brian Blackburn, and Amy, Fulton.

Wade s role-model was his Grandfather Scott, and Wade took great joy in his role as grandfather. He is Pa to grandchildren Caitlin, Connor, Carson, Abigaile, Chase, Hudson, Carter, Sawyer, Maddux, and Camryn.

He is a cherished brother to Charlie Spence and Missy, Springdale, Ark., Sherry Gundel and Barry, Washburn, Mo., Kelly Besalke, Bella Vista, Ark., and Debra Workman and Jerry, Ridgedale, Mo.

He is also survived by six nieces, eight nephews, dear friends Debbie and Jody Wilson, Mexico, and many other close friends too numerous to list, all of whom enriched, blessed and loved Wade.

To remember and honor Wade s life, a celebratory service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Pickering Funeral Home. Visitation is today from 5 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. A graveside prayer will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Hope Center, Fulton, or to Southside Christian Church Youth Scholarships. They may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.