Ryan Wade Blair, 32, of Mexico, passed away on Monday, February 12, 2024, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson, in Festus.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Ryan was born on July 22, 1991, in Columbia, the son of Stephanie Wade.  He attended Auxvasse Elementary and Mexico Public Schools.  Ryan did odd jobs, such as picking up scrap material people had discarded and anything his grandma needed him to do.  He also worked mowing lawns and at McDonalds.

Ryan's favorite place was his family's farm.  He spent days there fishing and would take friends, his girlfriend and Alex many times.  He also liked to swim in the lake.  Ryan loved riding his 4-wheeler in the wide-open fields, with his mother joining at times on his grandpa's 4-wheeler.

Ryan loved his family and had a special bond with his maternal grandmother.  They went shopping a lot and to yard sales.  Ryan was close to Bob Knipp and would stay with him at times.  He would jump to help him put his brace and shoe on after his stroke.  Ryan also enjoyed hanging with friends and riding around in his truck looking for people and something to do.

Ryan will be deeply missed by his mother, Stephanie Wade of Columbia; brother, Alex Whisler of Centralia; grandparents, Ralph (Karen) Wade of Sulphur, Oklahoma; two aunts, Louise Wilson of Centralia and Susie (Jim) Nelson of Mexico; two uncles, Parish (Loretta) Wade of Arvada, Colorado and LeRoy Wade of New Bloomfield; cousin, Jake Nelson of Mexico; special friend, Shelby Briggs and several cousins.

Ryan was preceded in death by his grandma, Myrta Wade; great-grandparents, George and Maxine Blackmore; two uncles, Wayne Blackmore and David Blackmore; and best friend, Bob Knipp.

Ryan was an organ donor.  He saved the lives of five people with his donation.

Memorial donations may be made to NAMI Missouri (National Alliance on Mental Illness). They may be sent to Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson St., Mexico, MO 65265.