How does one condense a person's full, adventurous life into just a few, short paragraphs?
For the people that knew Wade, it really is not necessary. We have
our memories of a fella that was tough and strong on the outside yet
wore his heart on his sleeve. He was a teller of BIG stories and
thoroughly enjoyed playing any kind of game or any prank. Wade believed
in working hard and playing hard. His boys learned very early on to
never say they were bored as he was the ultimate taskmaster.
To those who met Wade in passing, or while making a deal, you only
saw a smidgen of a great guy. You may have noticed his clever, creative,
artistic side as he built decks, carved antlers, or created lariat rope
lamps. Many have witnessed his hunting prowess, always knowing where
the pheasant or coyote would be. Some have seen that he was an intuitive
horseman that could calm a colt or rope a steer.
Wade's young buddies know he spent his early years drifting between
the Hill City, Kansas school system and the family farm, the swimming
pool, out to Grandpa Tiny's to hunt or to Grandpa Critchfield’s for
butterscotch pudding. He enjoyed playing baseball, (not watching it) and
drag racing down Hwy 24, but it was mostly all about hunting or rodeo.
To Michelle Graham, Wade was her treasure. They met the spring of
1983 in Hays, Kansas, at the stable where they both boarded their
horses, and they were married by that October. They were blessed with
two amazing sons, Hylan Koby in 1988 and then in 1993, Bryce Kannen was
born. Wade loved being called "Grandpa" by Hylan's sons, Kael and Kaden,
the two rays of sunshine in his life.
For those of us who worked with Wade, we remember his determination
to do things "The Critchfield Way". Much of his adult life, he worked
for his brother Stan at Superior Mobile Home Moving, Inc. While living
in Colorado Springs for seven years, he owned and operated his
residential painting business, but also found his real passion when he
started to buy and sell at flea markets. He followed his love of
everything Western and joined the National Western Bit and Spur Assoc.,
going to cowboy shows from Texas to Wyoming. Wade also had shorter
stints as a pen rider at Penokee Feedlot, cowboyed for Legere Ranch in
New Mexico, as well as farming and running his own herd of Red Angus
cows.
To all his family and friends, please know that Wade held your
relationships close to his heart and appreciated everything he had
learned from you. He never forgot a trade he had made. He remembered who
had taught him to waterski, how to build a straight fence, recognize a
fake antique, ride a bull, fly a plane (if only for 30 seconds!), finish
concrete or swing a golf club. He always seemed to figure things out.
Wade fell asleep in death with bravery and faith in Jehovah's
promises for the future, on May 16, 2021 at the Graham County Hospital
in Hill City, Kansas.
Wade was proceeded in death by his dad Jesse Junior Critchfield, his
brother Stanley Critchfield and two nephews. Wade has left behind his
wife Michelle of Hill City; his son Hylan with wife Samantha (Cano),
Kael and Kaden of Colby; his son Bryce of Hill City; his mother Yvonne
(Stinemetz) Critchfield of Hill City; his sister Charlene Yearout with
Phil of Andover; his sister Colleen Herlevich with Dan of Littleton,
Colorado; sister-in-law Sherry Critchfield of Bend, Oregon, plus many
nieces and nephews.
A private family graveside service will be held later.
HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU, UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN