Obituary of J. Wayne Adey

John Wayne Adey was born into this world at his parent's home eight miles north of Houston, MO on December 10, 1927. He departed this life on December 8, 2013 at the age of 85 years, 11 months and 28 days while surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Edna (Mason); father, Thomas Adey; younger brother, Carl; son-in-law, Phil Cornick; brother-inlaw,Montie Riden and brother-in-law, Walter Ritz. On April 28, 1948 he married the love of his life, Freida Lorraine Ritz, who survives him. Other survivors include three daughters, Loretta Cornick of Rolla; Lois Harris and husband, Rick, of Edgar Springs; Judy Bowker and husband, Wayne, of Licking; seven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Also included is an older brother, Armond, and wife, Haroldene, of Nix a; younger sister, Nadine Riden of Licking; brother-in-law, Howard Ryno; and three sisters-in-law Jonnie Adey, Carolyn Ryno and Marie Ritz. Wayne lost his father at the young age of 15 and had to quit school and help his family by going to work at a sawmill. After marrying Freida, they bought a small farm and spent several years there. He later worked for ten years as a Creel Census Clerk for the Missouri Department of Conservation, but his real love was carpentry. Wayne and brother, Carl, started their own construction business, and enjoyed an abundance of work in the Licking and Houston area. Several years later he worked as a carpenter for Friend Lumber Company. Wayne always took pride in his work and believed in "treating people right" and followed his favorite motto, "always do your best". There are many beautiful homes in the Licking area which were built by his hands. Upon retirement Wayne & Freida enjoyed many bus tours throughout the United States and Canada. Wayne loved to see the beauty and wonder that God created. Wayne was baptized into Christ in 1978 and was a long time member of the Church of Christ in Licking. As his illness progressed and he could no longer attend services at church, many church friends visited him in his home. Wayne loved his family and looked forward to Sunday dinners in his home made by his wife and favorite cook, Freida. He built the home they lived in and it was often filled to overflowing with family members, laughter and love. He was the wise hero to his children and grandchildren, and beloved "papa" to his great grandkids. He will live in our hearts forever until we see him again.