Emerson M. "Mike" Rader

1936 - 2025

Emerson M "Mike" Rader, 88, formerly of West Plains, Mo., passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025, in McKinney, Texas. 
Born on Nov. 2, 1936, in the Delaware community of Missouri, Mike led a life marked by dedication to his work, service to his community and devotion to his family.

Mike began his education at Schneider Elementary and graduated from West Plains High School in 1954. He went on to attend Wichita State University before returning to Missouri to join his father in the family electrical business. In 1956, he became part of Rader Electric and assumed ownership a decade later. Under his leadership, the company evolved into E.M. Rader, Inc., and expanded further with the founding of RKL Construction in 1972.

Through these enterprises, Mike played a significant role in shaping the infrastructure of southern Missouri and northern Arkansas. His projects included wastewater treatment plants in Houston, Cabool, Ava and West Plains, Mo.; as well as Newport, Heber Springs and Hardy, Ark. He also oversaw major construction efforts such as West Plains Elementary School; expansions to West Plains High School and Middle School; Gainesville High School; the Doctor's Pavilion at Ozarks Healthcare in West Plains; and the West Plains Public Library. 

He continued overseeing these businesses for 46 years until 2002 when he then sold them to loyal employees. He continued consulting with the new owners and for various entities including the City of West Plains and Missouri State University until he and his wife Marge moved to McKinney, Texas, to be near their daughters and grandchildren. There, he became affectionately known as the "friendly neighbor" and most importantly "Papa," a role he embraced and cherished. 

Mike's commitment to public service was equally impactful. He contributed to the development of campground facilities for the Ozarks National Scenic Riverways following congressional approval, reflecting his dedication to environmental stewardship and outdoor recreation. He served as president of both the West Plains Board of Education and the West Plains Chamber of Commerce. His civic involvement also included board positions with the West Plains Industrial Development Corporation, the City of West Plains Electrical Board and the City Board of Appeals. He served honorably in the Missouri National Guard for six years, achieving the rank of lieutenant.

Through his life, Mike pursued many passions including gardening, woodworking and earning his private pilot's license. A talented athlete in his youth, he excelled at baseball and basketball before turning his competitive spirit toward golf in later years. He was a member of the West Plains Country Club and served on the board of directors and as club president for two years.  As an avid golfer, he played as low as a five handicap and was club Senior Champion a number of years. After moving to Texas, he continued his love of golf and shooting at or below his age on numerous occasions.

Mike is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marge Rader, along with daughters Jill Hickman (Darrell Trammell) and Allison Rader, all of Texas, and cherished grandchildren Ashley Hickman of Texas, Cody Hickman (Lauren) currently residing in Germany, Christine Gordon (Tony) of North Carolina, Andrew Herndon (Kodi) of Arkansas, Cole Hickman (Charley) of North Carolina, Clay Hickman (Peyton) of Texas and Joseph Wiggins (Shelby) of Texas. He was also proud of his eight great-grandchildren: Addison, Jackson, Matthew, Callahan, Theodore, William, Aiden and Everett. He is also remembered by his siblings Ben Rader (Barbara) of Nebraska, Howard Rader, Ada Cochran (Mike) and Alice Smith (Danny), all of Missour,i along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Lydia Eddings Rader and Lowell "Cotton" Rader, brother Leslie Rader and his beloved pet Abby.

In lieu of flowers and services,  the family requests donations  be made in Mike's memory to the West Plains Public Library or the Ozarks Healthcare Foundation of West Plains. To leave a tribute or share a story about  Mike, go online to forevermissed.com/emerson-mike-rader.

Mike's life was guided by principle and purpose - a legacy best captured by his own words: "Be sensitive to others. Be loyal to those you care about. Life was not our choice - how we live it is." May his memory bring comfort and inspiration to all who knew him.