ked upon a long and distinguished career of service in community college administration, serving as President of Seward County Community College in Liberal, Kansas, Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer of Kilgore College in Kilgore, Texas, and President of Vernon College in Vernon, Texas. Upon his retirement, Vernon College named the softball field Wade Kirk Field in his honor. In addition to Wade's professional accomplishments, he was a devoted husband and father and loving son and brother. He had a ready sense of humor, gentle demeanor, and love and respect for his family, friends, and colleagues. He had a special love for animals, particularly his favorite cat, Shadow, and miniature dachshund, April. He enjoyed spending time outside and working in his yard. His son, Mark, fondly recalls his father introducing him to the woods of East Texas on morning walks and inspiring his own love of the outdoors. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Wade was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Joanna Heller. Survivors include his wife, Ellen Kirk; son Mark Kirk, daughter-in-law Jody Stock, and grandson Alec; sister Glenda Young and husband Bill; niece Jessica Hodge; nephews Greg Young, Phil Young, Roger Hodge, and Jacob Heller. The family would like to thank Esther Flores and C'Jay Ellwanger for their care and concern during Wade's illness. Should you wish to remember Wade, his family asks that a gift be made to the Dr. Wade Kirk Scholarship at Vernon College through malexander@vernoncollege.edu or (940) 552-6291 ext 2293, a donation to San Angelo Meals for the Elderly at sameals@mealsfortheelderly.org or (325) 655-9200, or a charity of your choice. To read the full obituary, please click here: http://www.harper-funeralhome.com/obituaries/Dr-Roland-Wade-Kirk?obId=4197952#/celebrationWall