Raymond Edward Wade

Raymond Edward Wade, 89, of Viola, Arkansas departed this life on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Raymond was born to the late Paul Floyd Wade and Ellen Nancy (Joice) Wade on June 30, 1929 in Bakersfield, Missouri.

Ray grew up near Bakersfield Missouri where he attended school and was a member of the graduating class of 1947. Ray served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Following his time in the military he lived in St. Louis where he met the love of his life, Eileen Baker. Ray was united in marriage to Frances Eileen Baker on December 19, 1953 in St. Charles, Missouri. They eventually moved to their farm near Viola where he lived out the majority of his life. Ray was a successful beef cattle farmer, gardener and was one of the early pioneers in the field of artificial insemination of cattle. Ray gave freely of his time and attention and taught over five hundred kids how to water ski. Water skiing and boating were his passion and he was still skiing on his 80^th birthday. There are many families in Fulton County area where multiple generations were all taught to ski by Ray. One of his favorite past times was playing pitch. He thoroughly enjoyed playing in a card tournament with other good players. Ray also loved going to Tunica with friends. He was a dedicated husband, foster dad, uncle and friend and was of the Church of Christ faith. Ray will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Ray leaves to mourn his passing; wife, Frances Eileen Wade of Viola, Arkansas; many nieces and nephews; many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents (Paul and Ellen Wade), three sisters (Mary Alice Brooks, Elsie May Price and Lola Marie Cotter) and brother (Ralph George Wade).

Graveside services will be held 1:30 P.M. Sunday, June 2, 2019 at Bakersfield Cemetery in Bakersfield, Missouri with Bro. Wayne Stewart officiating. Visitation will be 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. Saturday, June 1, 2019 at Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas. Memorials may be made to the Paragould Childrens Home in Paragould, Arkansas. Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas.