Wapella.com Mourns the passing of Wade Lowrey

Wade Allen Lowrey, 34, of Joplin, Mo., formerly of Clinton, will be remembered as a dear friend to all. Wade passed away on Tuesday (May 22, 2012) at his residence at Ozark Christian College. Wade was born Dec. 27, 1977, in Decatur, to Gary and Tanya Payne Lowrey. He is survived by his parents of Clinton; sister and brother in-law, Tricia and Brian Leslie, Plainfield, Ind.; sister and brother in-law, Jeana and Theo Barley, Miami, Okla.; two nephews, Zachary Leslie and Josiah Barley; five nieces, Emma Leslie, Halle Leslie, Norah Leslie, Justus Barley and Valor Barley; and many aunts, one uncle and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jess and Norma Lowrey, and Richard and Genitia Payne; and his uncle, Gary Jenkins.

 Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at First Christian Church, Clinton, with the funeral at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church as well. Kent J. Hickerson, minister at First Christian Church in Clinton, and Matt Proctor, president of Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Mo., will be officiating the service. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Clinton. Memorials may be made to Center Point Christian Church, Carthage, Mo., or Ozark Christian College, Joplin, Mo.

Wade had a passion for serving the people at both of these ministries. Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, is in charge of arrangements. Wade graduated in 1996 from Clinton High School. Following graduation, Wade attended Ozark Christian College and graduated in 2001 with a bachelor of theology/preaching and a bachelor of biblical literature in New Testament. He also later attended Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in Springfield, Mo. Wade was ordained into ministry at First Christian Church, Clinton, on Jan. 3, 1999.

 Throughout his college years, he served as a part-time minister at various congregations including Hepler Christian Church, Hepler, Kan., and Forest City Christian Church, St. James, Mo. Following graduation from OCC, Wade served at Lincolnway Christian Church, New Lenox, before moving back to the Joplin area. In July of 2009, Wade became the residence director of Strong Hall at OCC. In August of 2010, he started serving as associate minister at Center Point Christian Church, Carthage, Mo. Wade was excited about the work God is doing at Center Point, and he loved serving as a dorm director where he truly loved disciplining the young men of Strong Hall.

Wade was also an aspiring entrepreneur as he founded his own Internet business named National Site Brokers. Aside from his work responsibilities, Wade also served in the surrounding communities. He was on the board of directors of the House of Hope in Joplin as well as being a member of the Chamber of Commerce in Carthage. Wade loved people and wanted to reach as many people as possible for the Lord. Wade was always full of life, love and humor. He valued people and lived his life to serve others. Above all, he valued his relationship with the Lord and strived daily to be like Christ. Wade was the kind of person who always had a smile on his face and a hug to give. He was a fascinating blend of faith and fun, the likes of which few have ever achieved.

Wade daily brought laughter, joy and encouragement to others through his humorous and inspirational postings on Facebook. One of his last postings on Facebook before his death was the quote, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” — Dr. Seuss. Wade will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all whom his life touched.

Our condolences to the Lowrey and Payne families.