Wayne Radford

Wayne was born the only son of Bernard and Gracie Radford on March 11, 1934 in Drasco, Arkansas and departed this life on December 22, 2021 at the age of 87 years. While living in Arkansas they farmed cotton before moving west to California for work. Bernard’s job there was frozen until WW II ended. In February of 1948, they moved to Missouri and settled on the south side of the Hootentown Bridge in Stone County.

Wayne dearly loved that river farm, and he fished the James every chance he got. In 1954 he met his future wife, Emmalee Messenger, who lived across the river. After their meeting, neither dated anyone else, and were married on June 10, 1955.
Wayne and Emma Lee moved their family to Nixa in 1965. At that time, Nixa’s population was 908 people. In 1971 he joined who he referred to as his “Midwest Rug family” and was a salesman there for 38 years before retiring in 2009 at the age of 75.
Wayne was a member of the Masonic Lodge 379 in Billings, Missouri.
Wayne was proceeded in death by his parents, and his younger sister, Shirley Jean, who died at the age of 22 months from complications of whooping cough.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Emma Lee; daughter, Diana Kay Sparkman and son, Joseph Wayne Radford and his wife Lori; four grandchildren, Ashley Miller and husband, Doug; Landon Sparkman and wife, Whitney; Trustin Radford, and wife, Autumn, and Blayne Radford and wife, Ashlee; 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Graveside services are scheduled for 2: 00 p.m. Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at Flood Cemetery located behind Pleasant View Baptist Church in Highlandville. Wayne will receive Masonic burial rites.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Flood Cemetery. Checks may be mailed to 4233 St Hwy O Highlandville, MO 65669.

Arrangements are under the care of Adams Funeral Home – Nixa.