Bruce R. Wake

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 where he lettered in football and track, graduating in 1955.

Boy Scouts was a family affair between his father, Jerry, his brother Roger and himself, and later, his son Ryan. After he earned his Merit Badge for Life Saving and his Eagle Scout Rank at a young age, he was on the Camp Geiger staff for six years, serving as a village leader and waterfront director. He was also inducted into the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and rose to the position of Sachem.

In addition to being Water Front Director at Camp Geiger, he also served as Lifeguard and Pool Director at Krug Pool in St. Joseph.

After graduating from high school, Bruce attended Northwest Missouri State University, earning 2 degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Earth Science and a Bachelor of Science in Education. He was a member of the Alpha Phi Omega, a service Fraternity. He taught eighth grade math at Eugene Field, St. Joseph for two years and then returned to NWMSU as Dean of Men. Durning his 25-year career at NWMSU, he earned a Masters Degree from University of Missouri-Columbia and a Specialist Degree from NWMSU. He served in numerous positions at NWMSU, including Director of Housing and Director of Students Affairs.

In addition to his university duties, he enjoyed officiating high school and college football and track, and serving as a sponsor for his daughter's college cheerleading squad.

Bruce was formally married to Karen Mast of Excelsior Springs, MO the mother of his three children: Ryan, Laura and Shawn. They were members of the United Methodist Church in Maryville. Bruce was an active community member in Maryville, serving on numerous committees, and member of the Lion's Club where he was the secretary for ten years.

Bruce was also an avid runner. Beginning in high school, then college, and then as an adult. He rarely missed the Runs in St. Joseph and ran the very first Hospital Hill Half-Marathon of Kansas City. He also ran the LA Marathon of CA. Bruce was an avid sportsman, and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

In 1990 to 2004 Bruce returned to the classroom, teaching math for the St Joseph School District at both middle school and high school levels. He was instrumental in assisting Benton High School to earn the distinction of the "Missouri State A+ program" and was hired as the Benton's A+ Coordinator. He taught mathematics for fourteen

years. His students nominated him, and he was selected for "Who's Who Among America's Teachers" in 1998.

Bruce married Judith A. VanBuren of Savannah, MO on April 14, 1990, in Maryville, MO. They moved to Smithville, MO that same year. Bruce and Judith enjoyed searching for artifacts, hiking, traveling, and prospecting. They shared passion for life, nature, and

science. This passion included 22 years of adventures in Montana prospecting for dinosaur bones for various Universities, world travels, love of National Parks and visits to all 50 US states, bringing home a rock from each state.

Bruce's focus in life was helping others and volunteering. He and Judith gave presentations at schools and civic organizations, displaying dinosaur bones and providing dino bone fragments as well as information. Bruce volunteered over 5,000 hours in the dinosaur lab at Science City in Union Station, sharing his wealth of knowledge about and love for dinosaurs.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Arline Wake and his brother, Roger. He is survived by his children: Ryan (Stephanie) Wake, Laura Wake, and Shawn (Kathy) Wake, step-children, Rhonda Gates (Scott Anderson), Brenda Gates, Travis Gates, and Nathan (Christi) Gates, 13 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and sister-in-law, Charla Wake. Bruce was a friend to many from St. Joseph, Maryville, Smithville, and the Kansas City area. He never knew a stranger.

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.