James Wendell Wyatt

James Wendell Wyatt, 85, of Cape Girardeau, Mo., went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Oct. 20, 2025.

Wendell was born on Aug. 18, 1940, in Searcy, Ark., to the late Esta and Willie Wyatt. On Aug. 6, 1977, he married the love of his life, Wanda (Short) Wyatt. He was a proud father of Amanda and David.

Wendell earned both a bachelor's degree in 1962 and master's degree in 1963 in mathematics education from Arkansas State University. In 1985, he completed his doctorate in mathematics education from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He began his teaching career in West Memphis, Ark. In 1965, he moved to Cape Girardeau and joined Southeast Missouri State University as an instructor in the University Schools teaching high school mathematics and mentored more than 60 student teachers during his 20 years in the school. In 1985, he joined the Mathematics Department at SEMO. For many years he was the Director of the local and state Missouri Elementary Math Contests. From 2000 to 2008, he was an assistant professor in mathematics education at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Okla. Throughout his career, he was active in both the Missouri and National Council of the Teachers of Mathematics and received many awards for his teaching and service.

His passion for teaching was evident to all who met him. He led Bible studies and taught Sunday School for most of his adult life and helped young men earn their GED.

Wendell was an active member of Lynwood Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau. His servant heart motivated him to serve others and show them God's love. He served as a deacon and in many other capacities. He loved his church family. For many years, he participated in short-term mission trips to Central America with Commissioned International. His true joy was providing continuing education to the teachers at the Mount of Olives Christian School, equipping them to provide a strong education to children in rural Nicaragua.

He was active in his local community. He delivered meals for the Cape Senior Center, and volunteered with AARP's Tax-Aide program, Gideon's International, and as an election judge for local elections.

He was a lifelong learner, kind, gentle, patient, and generous. He is survived by his wife, Wanda of Cape Girardeau, daughter, Amanda Wyatt and her husband Giacomo Zanello of Reading, England, and son, David Wyatt of Washington, D.C., and his sister, Eva Nell Roop, of Searcy. He was preceded in death by his brother, Sonny Wyatt, and his parents. He leaves many other family members and friends who will miss him.

Visitation for family and friends will be on Sunday, Oct. 26, from 4-7 p.m. at Ford & Sons Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau. Funeral service will be held on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Lynwood Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau. Burial will follow at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Commissioned International to support the Mount of Olives Christian School (https://commissionedintl.org/donate/) or to Lynwood Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.