Wade Andrew Dorothy

Wade Andrew Dorothy, 77, passed away on July 20, 2024, in Overland Park, KS. Born on February 28, 1947, in Joplin, MO, Wade never knew a stranger. He made everyone who crossed his path feel welcome and important, resulting in a large community of family and friends who cherished him.

Wade was the son of Vernon Lee and Helen Lucile, and younger brother of Janet, all of whom preceded him in death. He grew up in the small Southwestern Missouri town of Anderson, MO, where his parents had a modest farm. They later owned a small department store on the town’s Main Street. During high school, Wade periodically worked at his family’s department store doing various things, including wrapping presents, a skill he ultimately perfected and would use for the rest of his life at Christmas time and birthdays. When he was not working or covertly playing the town’s pinball machine that his parents forbade him from playing, he went to school and excelled in athletics. Standing at 6’4”, he starred in varsity football (tight end), baseball (catcher), and basketball (center).

After graduating from Anderson High School in 1964, he attended college at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS, ultimately receiving a B.S. in Chemistry and Mathematics in 1968. While pursuing his undergraduate degree, he was a proud member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, forming friendships that would continue throughout his life. As a member of the college’s ROTC program, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant upon graduation. Several years later, he received special recognition being named “An Outstanding Alum” by the university.

Wade had known for some time he was headed to the Vietnam War. Despite a terrible discomfort with heights, he concealed his partial color blindness by memorizing the eye chart exam, electing to attend helicopter flight school and formally entered the U.S. Army as a First Lieutenant. Prior to this time, in 1968, he married his first wife, Linda Davidson. Their oldest son, David, was born in 1969. In October of 1971, Wade began his yearlong tour of duty in the Vietnam War as a Medevac helicopter pilot in the 57th Medical Detachment. He flew countless missions under heavy fire and was awarded two Bronze Stars for his role in the siege of An Loc in 1971, in which he flew rescue missions. He also received the Distinguished Flying Cross for the rescue of 10 U.S. and Vietnamese soldiers.

Following his time in Vietnam, his second son, Doug, was born in 1974. After his discharge from the Army as a Captain, Wade attended law school at Washburn University in Topeka, KS, and received his law degree in 1978. Shortly thereafter, Wade began a long and successful legal career in the Kansas City area that spanned 40 years. Over the course of his time in private practice, he specialized in Workers’ Compensation defending claims on behalf of employers and their insurance carriers throughout the state of Kansas. He greatly enjoyed helping his clients and working with other attorneys to resolve disputes. During his career, Wade received numerous accolades for excellence, including “Best Lawyers in America.” In 2004, Doug joined his practice and they subsequently worked together for nearly 12 years.

It was during his time as a practicing lawyer that Wade first met Carol, who was a court reporter. They were friends for several years before marrying in June of 1990. Wade was quick to become a dear and loving stepfather to Carol’s children from her previous marriage, Aaron and Lindy. In 1993, Wade and Carol built a new home that would become a beloved place for the entire blended family and ALL of their friends. Wade never shied away from a gathering, making people happy, and having fun, and he welcomed friends and strangers alike to the house where he would enthusiastically attempt to alleviate the hunger or thirst of anyone who entered. This warm and loving hospitality always endured.

Wade was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the Spring of 2019. For over five years, he consistently defied all odds and expectations with his Christian faith giving him great comfort. Even in the end, cancer could not touch his kind and friendly nature and he never lost his spirit.

Wade delighted in life and the family and friends around him. He had special individual connections with his grandchildren, and he took immense pleasure in their lives while often bending the rules to his and their glee. He enjoyed laughing and making others laugh. He was a fantastic joke and storyteller. He took great enjoyment in sports while reserving his most passionate fandom for the Kansas City Chiefs. Most of all, he loved people, and he was good at comforting them in ways big and small. He did this as a son, brother, father, stepfather, grandfather, and friend.

Wade is survived by his wife Carol, son David (Ellie), son Doug (Emily), stepson Aaron, stepdaughter Lindy (Dragos), and grandchildren Aidan, Isobel, Brooklyn, Henry, Colin, Alex, Tanner, Oliver, Harriet, and Logan. He is also survived by his father-in-law, Ben, brother-in-law, Kim (Debbie), nieces Shannon (Ross) and Amber, and numerous friends who were like family.

A visitation will be held July 26, 2024 at 10 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at the Wesley Chapel, Church of the Resurrection, Leawood, KS. For those who are unable to attend in person, services will be livestreamed at cor.org/memorialsonline. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation (https://www.npcf.us).