Joseph “Wade” Harper, known to his childhood friends as Wade Hall, passed away on April 15, 2025, at the age of 48. A Salina resident, born in Newton, and longtime Hutchinson native, Wade spent nearly a week at KU Medical Center after chronic heart failure suddenly worsened. Determined not to let his story end under fluorescent lights, he arranged a transfer to St. Luke’s Hospice House for his final day. Surrounded by close friends and family, Wade spent the week sharing stories, laughter, and tears, and, true to form, kept the conversation rolling well into the nights.
Born June 30, 1976, he was the cherished son of Connie Harper, William “Bill” Hall, and his stepdad, Robert “Bobby” Garcia.
Wade worked for Exide Technologies in Salina, working his way up to electrical general foreman. When his children were growing up, he somehow balanced his dedication to work with being a father, almost never missing a Scout camp, gymnastics meet, soccer match, or school play. Eight years ago, he stared cancer in the eye and said, “Not today,” then went right back to clocking six- and seven-day weeks at work. His life was truly wired for others; he was always lending a hand, installing a porch light, or fixing a taillight, and, as a proud member of IBEW Local 661, he measured each sunset not by overtime hours but by how many people he had helped.
Wade is survived by his mother, Connie Garcia of Hutchinson; his children, Gauge Harper (Kensley) of South Hutchinson, Colton Harper (Greta) of Lincoln, Nebraska, Maci Harper of Hutchinson, and Tyler Morelan of Manhattan; his brothers, Willy Hall and Whitney Hall (Tara), both of Emporia, Jason Hall of Hutchinson, and Joe Davis of Salina; his grandchildren, Alaina and Nolan Harper; and many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends who counted him as a brother.
He was preceded in death by William “Bill” Hall and Robert “Bobby” Garcia, his infant son Wyatt Harper, and his uncle Robbie Harper.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Elliott Chapel. Friends may sign his book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.