Ivan Wade Upshaw

Ivan "Wade" Upshaw, 76, of Paola, Kansas, passed away on November 9, 2024, at his home peacefully with his wife beside him. 

A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2024, beginning at 10:00am at the Victory Baptist Church of Osawatomie with a funeral service to follow at 11:00am. There will be a private family graveside service. 

He was born on September 8, 1948, to Hobart and Dorothy (Charles) Upshaw in Sapulpa, OK. 

Wade worked as a Signal Maintainer for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad and he would later retire after 25 years of service. After retirement he worked at Tri-Ko, USD 367 and 368 as a bus monitor. Before working for the railroad he worked numerous jobs such as, a milkman, an insurance salesman, security guard, drove a freight truck, and worked at a saw mill. 

Wade was an avid woodworker, where he enjoyed making birdhouses, and loved going to flea markets and garage sales. He always enjoyed a good joke and was quick to share them. Wade also loved watching the Kansas City Chiefs. 

On January 14, 1967, he married Linda (Bean) Upshaw. Wade and Linda lived in Paola, Kansas, and were married for 57 years. They had 4 sons together. The couple lived in numerous places while Wade was working with the railroad before finally settling in Osawatomie. 

He was a member of Victory Baptist Church of Osawatomie. He was an active member of the community serving on the Rural Water #3 Board, foster grandparents, and he also drove the Sunday School bus for the church and was active with Vacation Bible School.

Wade is survived by his loving wife, Linda, son, Todd and wife Dawn Upshaw of Owasso, OK, son, Trent and wife Holly Upshaw of Paola, KS, son, Travis and wife Lora Upshaw of Lane, KS, son, Terry and wife Kathy Upshaw of Osawatomie, KS. As well as grandchildren, Brittany and husband Sean MacLeod, Blaine and wife Anna Upshaw, Abbie Upshaw, Riley Upshaw, Zack Owens, Brooke and husband Austin Harper, Erin Upshaw, Hailey Upshaw and husband Keith Myers, Ethan Upshaw, and 8 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. He is also survived by a sister, Debra Shaw and nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Hobart Albert Upshaw, mother, Dorothy Jean Upshaw, and sister, Jeanne Upshaw. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary-Paola Chapel 305 N. Pearl St. Paola, KS 66071.