Veda Wead

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Veda Louise (Franklin) Wead, age 89, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2025, in Joplin, Missouri.

Veda was born on December 16, 1935, in Sarcoxie, Missouri, to Albert Warren and Mary Elsie (Griffith) Franklin. She graduated from Sarcoxie High School and moved to Neosho, Missouri, in 1950. On December 4, 1954, she married the love of her life, Raymond Odell Wead, in Neosho. They shared a devoted life together until his passing in 2000.

A dedicated homemaker, Veda found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She had a passion for jigsaw puzzles and crossword puzzles and was known for her green thumb—especially her love of peonies and irises. She was a proud member of the Red Hat Society and a faithful member of Cornerstone Church in Carterville, Missouri. Her creativity and resourcefulness were legendary—she had a knack for fixing just about anything with duct tape.

Above all, Veda cherished her family. She is survived by her children: Ricky Odell (Jennie) Wead of Joplin, Missouri; Karen Sue Stark (boyfriend Ron) of Neosho, Missouri; and Sherry Lorraine (Alan) Palmer of Carl Junction, Missouri. She also leaves behind eleven grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren, and eleven great-great-grandchildren, all of whom were the light of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Raymond; her son, Larry Ray; her granddaughter, Jennifer Murray; an infant great-granddaughter, her siblings: Alma Tanner, Lila Jennings, Vera Fleener, and Joseph Franklin.

Veda's legacy of love, strength, and quiet humor will live on through the generations she helped shape. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

The family will receive friends at the visitation held on Monday, May 19, 2025, from 6:00-7:00 pm at Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories in Neosho, Missouri. A funeral service for Veda will be on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, also at the Chapel of Memories at 10:00 am. There will be a Graveside Service at New Salem Cemetery in Neosho, Missouri, immediately following the funeral.