Louis M. Wait, Jr.

     Louis M. Wait, Jr., Nevada, MO went to be with the Lord on Friday, September 25, 2020 at the age of 92. Louis was born August 12, 1928 in Waldo, MO to Louis Martin and Lizzie Mable (Woods) Wait. He was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Thompson on June 24, 1951 and she preceded him in death on December 8, 2010.

     Jr’s first job was at the State Hospital in Nevada.  He had a variety of jobs before becoming owner/operator of Gotchall’s DX station in Nevada.  Jr retired from the Nevada R-5 School district where he spent several years as a mechanic and bus driver. He made several trips as the activity driver hauling students and many faculty to various events.  Jr loved to dance as well as travel and was fortunate to visit many places and made many friends.  He loved visiting with people and never knew a stranger.

     Jr joined the United States Army on August 25, 1952 and served in the Korean War. He was later honorably discharged as a Motor Pool Sargent. He was baptized August 12, 1990 at the First Christian Church in Nevada and remained a member there.

       He is survived by his children, daughter, Margaret (Leon) Shumaker, Nevada, MO and three grandchildren, Clarissa (Braden) McBride, Carthage, MO, Alicia (Kevin) Wolfe, Olathe, KS, and Ryan (Ashley) Shumaker, Webb City, MO, along with five great-grandchildren. Son, Tommy (Kathy) Wait, Bronaugh, MO, and three grandchildren, Travis (Dana) Wait, Bronaugh, MO, Joni (David) Klumpp, Deerfield, MO, and Becky (Drew) Quinn, Hale, MO, and six great-grandchildren.  Daughter, Jeanie (Larry) Reis, McComb, OH, and one grandson, Jason (Shawna) Reis, Fostoria, OH, and four great-grandchildren as well as seven great-great-grandchildren. Son, Jerry (Priscilla) Wait, Nevada, MO and two grandchildren, Leslie (Ron) Maher, Redfield, KS, and Gabe (Erica) Wait, Albania, and four great-grandchildren. Daughter, Teresa (Berry) McClure, Nevada, MO, and one granddaughter, Kellie McClure (Brian Greenfield), Nevada, MO and two great-grandchildren. Daughter, Shelly Simpson, Gastonia, NC and two granddaughters, Baylee Simpson, Springdale, AR, and Ashley (Scott) Brownfield, Joplin, MO.   

     He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, parents, and several siblings, Richard, Etta, Eugene, and Cecil.    

     Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Clifford Pettibon officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Newton Burial Park in Nevada.  The family will receive friends from 7:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday evening at the funeral home.

     Memorials are suggested to “Wounded Warriors” c/o Ferry Funeral Home.

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