Joseph N. Vader

Joseph (Joe) Neil Vader of Olathe, Kansas died on January 17, 2023 at age 84. After months of declining health Joe passed away peacefully with his beloved wife of 62 years, Diane, and their children and one grandson by his side.

Joe was born on January 25, 1938 in Kansas City, KS. He held a Bachelor of Arts in History from Kansas State University, and a Juris Doctor from Washburn University School of Law.

Joe loved practicing law in Olathe for 58 years, helping countless people over the years with passion, compassion and character. He thrived on helping those in need even when he found himself pulled in many directions. Joe was especially passionate about his work as an adoption attorney; he placed hundreds of beautiful babies with loving and grateful families and was a founding member of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys.

Joe was devoted to and immensely proud of his large family. He shepherded them through difficult times with great strength and grace and delighted with joy in their every triumph. His compassion extended well beyond his family, and over the years he served his community in countless ways. He served on the Olathe Planning Commission, coached multiple youth sports, taught Sunday School, served on the Board of Johnson County Developmental Supports, and on the School Board of the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas. He was also buoyed by his deep faith and parish community, St. Paul’s, serving it in many ways over the years.

An avid athlete most of his life, Joe would tell you that he wasn’t the fastest, the biggest, or the most agile athlete, but his grit and determination carried him far. From the hard practice fields of KCK, coached by his dad, Tub, at Bishop Ward High School, to the highest level of college sports, Joe made the most of his talents. Unheard of these days, Joe was a 3-sport athlete at Kansas State. He played in the NCAA basketball Final Four, led the big 8 in football pass receptions, and pitched for the baseball team. Along the way, he played with or for future hall of fame legends, including Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, Tex Winter, Lamar Hunt, and Len Dawson, playing briefly in the NFL for the Dallas Texans before going to law school and beginning his legal career.

Joe was preceded in death by his daughter Sara Vader. He is survived by his beloved wife Diane Vader; children Lisa Vader Ezeamii, Joseph Vader Jr., Dana Vader, Gina Vader, and William Vader; grandchildren Duke Ezeamii, Madeline Nadeau, Evan Burkard, Sofi Melvin, Einar Crego, and Frannie Crego; great-grandchildren Peace Ezeamii, and Evangeline Melvin; brothers Jim Vader and Jay Vader; and sister Mary Beth Kennedy.

A visitation for Joseph will be held Monday, January 23, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at McGilley & Frye Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 105 E. Loula Street, Olathe, KS 66061. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, January 24, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at St. Paul Catholic Church, 21650 W 115th Terr, Olathe, KS 66061.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McGilley-Frye.com for the Vader family.