Rube Richard Wakley

Rube Richard "Dick" Wakley, 83, of Sedalia, MO, passed away Saturday, January 8, 2022 at Silvia G. Thompson Residence Center in Sedalia. He was born on February 27, 1938 in Eufaula, OK, a son of Henry Wakley and Julia (Brady) Wakley, who preceded him in death.

On March 25, 1961 he was married to Nancy Thompson who survives of the home. They were married for 62 years.

He served his country honorably in the U.S. Air Force in radar control from 1961 to 1965, serving a year at Cape Lisburn AFB in Alaska. Upon leaving the Air Force he completed his bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University, graduating in 1967. He went to work for Farmer’s Insurance Group as an insurance adjuster in 1967, working in Independence, MO for three years and was transferred to Sedalia, in 1970 where he worked for 32 years retiring in January, 2000.

He was a past member of the Noonday Optimists Club and the State Fair Statesmen’s Barbershop Chorus. He was active in the Booster Club at State Fair Community College. He loved attending the basketball games at SFCC and was always willing to help wherever possible. He was an avid Chiefs fan, and sportsman enjoying hunting and fishing, Nascar racing, and reading books. He enjoyed doing things with his family and coached softball for his daughters in little league for many years. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church where he served on the Finance Committee. Dick and Nancy volunteered many times at the Food Pantry putting together orders for families in the community. They also volunteered for many years delivering for Meals on Wheels for their church, as well as ushering and hosting the hospitality table.

Surviving are three daughters, Amy Hathaway of Springfield, MO, Christa Northcutt and her companion, Matt Tordoff of Omaha, NE, Melinda "Mindy" Bridge and her husband, Bob of Sedalia; six grandchildren, Brooks Hathaway, Lindsey Masterson, Jordan Northcutt, Brody Tordoff, Jeffrey Wheeler, and Amber Tack; nine great -grandchildren; and one sister, Louise Osborne of Sapulpa, OK.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Robert and Charles Wakley; and two sisters, Naomi Tyler and Alma Boyer.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, January 28, 2022 at Wesley United Methodist Church, Sedalia with Pastor Dennis Harper officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be mailed in Rube’s honor to, Wesley United Methodist Church, 1322 W Broadway, Sedalia, MO 65301 or Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care, 14310 E. 42nd St. So, Independence, MO 64055.

A military graveside service will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 28, 2022 at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville, MO with full military honors conducted by Whiteman Air Force Base honors team and Sedalia VFW Post #2591.