Gene Waite

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

William E. "Gene" Waite was born in Shelbyville, MO to John William and Marie Waite, April 18, 1934, and departed this life for his eternal reward June 29, 2023.

Gene spent his growing up years in Shelbyville and graduated from high school in 1952. Gene went on to Lincoln Bible Institute in Lincoln, IL. He attended Central Christian College in Moberly, MO the first year the college was open in 1957.









Gene married the love of his life and partner in serving the Lord, Jo Anne Blankenship, March 30, 1958. To this union was born two sons, Gerald Stanley and Mark Bradley.

Gene was ordained in June 1954 as a minister of Christian Churches. He served rural churches in Missouri at Rutledge and Winigan before he Jo Anne were married and together they served churches in Bland, Baldwin and Crane.

In 1969 he was called to be the Executive Director of United Cerebral Palsy of Southwest Missouri and remained in that position for 13 years. He spent one year as the Director of the Springfield Speech and Hearing Center. After that, he was the Director of Public Relations for the American Red Cross and Regional Blood Center in Springfield. Gene was one of the first two employees for the Community Blood Center in 1995. After his retirement, he served as a volunteer at Cox Hospital in the Same Day Surgery Department for 15 years, giving 4,000 hours of service and in the NTIC Unit for 5 years giving 1,000 hours.

He and Jo Anne were advocates for special needs individuals, both children and adults. Jo Anne's training as a nurse, supported him in his role as a member of the Governors Council for the Developmentally Disabled for nine years, three of the years he was Chairman of the Council. Gene served also on the Board of Directors of the Springfield Workshop and also served as a Hearing Officer for the State Department of Education.

Gene was a member of Glendale Christian Church where he served as an elder and teacher. He and Jo Anne served together in many roles in the church, the last being teachers of the Cornerstone Class. Christian Campus House at MSU was a favorite place of service for he and Jo Anne, while he served on the Board of Directors. After moving to Joplin the became members of Park Plaza Christian Church.

Gene is survived by his dear soul-mate, Jo Anne, having been married for 65. years, their son, Stan and his wife Elizabeth, of Joplin, and Brad of the home. Two grandchildren, Matthew and his wife Rachel of Cape Giradeau, and D'Anna and Kevin of Texas. Two great grand daughters and two great grand sons.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at the Mason-Woodard Chapel. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Webb City, MO. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service on Wednesday.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, gifts be made to Good News Productions, Int., Joplin, MO or Christian Campus House, Springfield, MO in care of the mortuary.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.