Wade Paris

Wade Paris, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home in Ozark, MO on October 2, 2026. Born on June 19, 1935, in the vibrant city of New Orleans, LA, Wade was the cherished son of Charles Norman and Esther Godson Paris. His life was a tapestry woven with love, faith, and service, marked by a gentle spirit and an enduring sense of humor that brought joy to all who knew him. Wade spent his early years in Meridian, MS, where he graduated from Meridian High School in 1954. He furthered his education at Union University in Jackson, TN, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1958. With a calling to ministry, Wade pursued theological studies, receiving his Master of Divinity from Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, NC, and a Doctor of Ministry from Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY. As a college student, Wade served as pastor of small churches in West Tennessee: Western Valley at Covington, TN and Johnson Grove at Alamo, TN. For 33 years, Dr. Paris served as a full time pastor, beginning at Liberty Grove Baptist Church in Jackson, TN, followed by 11 years at Murray Lane Baptist Church in Sikeston, MO. His longest pastorate was at Swope Park Baptist Church in Kansas City, MO, where he ministered for 17 years. Following his dedicated service as a pastor, Wade continued to impact the community as the Executive Director of the Kirksville Baptist Divisional Mission Board for a decade. Even in retirement, his passion for helping others led him to serve as an interim pastor for six churches. Wade's commitment to his faith extended beyond the pulpit. He served as a trustee for several religious and community organizations, including The Baptist Home and the Baptist Medical Center of Kansas City, MO. His contributions as an adjunct instructor at William Jewell College were recognized with the prestigious Walter Pope Binns Fellowship. Wade's zest for life was evident in his hobbies, which included flying, motorcycle riding, woodworking, and writing. He was a man of many talents and interests, whose Cajun roots lent a touch of mischief and adventure to his personality. In his personal life, Wade was blessed with the companionship of his beloved wife, Nellie Barnette Paris. Together, they celebrated 70 years of marriage on August 26, 2026. A family man at heart, Wade is survived by his sons, Stephen Wade Paris and his wife Tamara, and Scott David Paris and his wife Laurie; his daughters, Susan Paris Homan and her husband Michael Homan and Sally Paris Greenlease; grandchildren, Ashton, Ian, Christian, Samuel, Nathaniel, Elianna, Sara, Stephen, and Sophia; and great-grandchildren, Zegan, Zoey, Gracelyn, Emerson, and Nellie Elizabeth Paris. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Charles Norman Paris, Jr., Rose Paris Dykes, Dorothy Paris Rogers, and Elaine Paris Herndon. A service to honor Wade's life and legacy will be held on October 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Grace Point Baptist Church, located at 10415 Chestnut Dr., Kansas City, MO 64137. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests that donations be made to a charity of your choice, in memory of Wade's generous spirit. They would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to their friend, Jennifer Lathrum of Paola, Kansas, for her unwavering support during their time of need. Wade Paris leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service that will be cherished by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him and in the countless lives he bettered through his ministry and community service.