Bruce Wake

1937 - 2026

Bruce R. Wake of Smithville, MO passed away Saturday, March 7. He was born and raised in St. Joseph, MO. He graduated from Lafayette High School in 1955. He then attended Northwest Missouri State University, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Science and Mathematics and a Bachelor of Science in Education. He taught eighth grade math at Eugene Field, St. Joseph for two years and then returned to NWMSU as Dean of Men. During his 25-year career at NWMSU, he earned a Masters Degree from University of Missouri-Columbia and Specialist Degree from NWMSU. He served in additional positions at NWMSU, including Director of Housing and Director of Student Affairs. In 1990 he returned to St. Joseph Schools teaching mathematics at Roubidoux Middle School and Benton High School, and retired in 2002 as the A+ Coordinator for Benton High School.

Bruce lived his entire life by his Boy Scout values, always thinking of others and always a gentleman.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Arline Wake and his brother, Roger. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Judith (VanBuren), as well as three children: Ryan, Laura, and Shawn, four step-children, Rhonda, Brenda, Travis, and Nathan Gates, 13 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and sister-in-law, Charla Wake. Bruce was a friend to many from St. Joseph, Maryville, and Kansas City area.

Farewell Services and Public Livestream 1:00 P.M. Thursday, March 12, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather with friends 5:30 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Pony Express Council–Mic-O-Say, Black Hawk–Jerry Wake Memorial. Online guest book and full obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.