Brian Wadley

Brian “Big Wad” Phillip Wadley, 55, of Bourbon, MO, passed away on Friday, May 14, 2021, after a difficult battle with his health.

Brian was born June 7, 1965 in St. Louis, MO, the son of the late William Edward and Winona Olson. Dear brother to two sisters, Jeanne Richardson and her spouse, Stan Richardson, their daughter, Sarah Richardson, and son, Stanley Richardson, all of St. Peters, MO, and Sheryl James of Fenton, MO.

Brian met his wife, Lisa L. Anderson Wadley, while attending school when they were just 12 and 14 years old. They were married on October 5, 1985 and for the first four years of their marriage, they were practically raising first born cousin to Lisa, Nicole Evans. Later, they went on to have two beautiful girls of their own, Amanda N. Buehrle, 32, and spouse, Brian J. Buehrle, of St. Charles, MO, and Dakota L. Wadley, 24, and spouse, Preston W. Shepherd, of Blackwater, MO. Brian and Lisa were blessed with seven grandchildren: Ariana, 11, Carsen, 10, Lemon, 4, Willow, 1, Aaron, 3, Noah, 1, and a new grandbaby due in September 2021.

Brian was a brother-in-law to Jeff Anderson and spouse, Tori Anderson. An uncle to Jeffery, Justin and Katelyn Anderson. Brian was also a great uncle to Samuel, 13, Khloe, 11, Drew, 8, Charli, 7, Avery 5, and James, 5.

Brian’s first job was working as a clay pigeon thrower at a local gun club, where he would ride his bike to work daily. After Brian graduated from Hazelwood Central in 1983, he pursued a degree as an automotive technician at Bailey Tech, while working for Evan’s Production. In 1997, Brian began working in Automotive Industry in St. Louis, for Pohlman Inc Precision Parts, where he worked as a machinist until 2006.

In 2003, Brian moved his family to Bourbon, MO. It was not until 2007 that he started work for Carden Machine Shop in Sullivan. At night, he would sometimes work as a bouncer for Town Tavern and Blazers, both located in Bourbon, where his wife also bartended. In 2010, Brian moved on to working as a hydro-mat set up for Control Devices LLC in Fenton, MO, where he remained up until his passing.

Brian was a hard-working man who provided for his family. The word “no” was not often used by Brian. Anyone who knew him, knew that his family meant more to him than anything else in the world, which was something he mentioned often. Brian was a free spirit with a funny soul, who enjoyed celebrating life with everyone around him. In his younger years, Brian was a talented musician and loved music of all kinds, especially live bands and concerts. Brian had many friends and thoroughly enjoyed kicking back and having a drink at the Town Tavern or barbecuing on his back porch. Brian was a cherished and loved son, brother, father, uncle, great uncle and grandfather, who will be deeply missed.

Funeral services were 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, with Beth Akers officiating. Interment followed in Bourbon Cemetery.

Visitation was held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the family would be appreciated.

Friends may send online condolences to Brian’s family at www.eatonfunerlhome.com.

All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.