Wade Ozbirn

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Service Schedule
Roller-Daniel Funeral Home Chapel
411 E. Race Ave.
Searcy, AR  72143
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
10:30 AM
Cemetery
White County Memorial Gardens
3306 E. Park Ave.
Searcy, AR  72143
Wade OzbirnI am a Veteran.

of Searcy, AR

April 11, 1924 - August 16, 2015

Wade Ozbirn passed away Sunday afternoon, August 16, 2015, at the age of 91. He died at his home, of natural causes. Wade was born to Berry and Susie Ozbirn in Ash Flat, Arkansas, on April 11, 1924. A talented musician, he played the piano and trumpet, and as a young man played with his own group at high school parties and proms. He graduated from Ash Flat High School in 1941, and enrolled at Harding College. His college years were interrupted by World War II, as he was inducted into the U.S. Army and sent to Fort Wolters, Texas, for training. Seriously injured in a training accident, he spent the remainder of the war in Washington, D.C., working in the Land Acquisitions Department of the Army.

Returning to Searcy and Harding College to finish his education, he met Jewell Combs. He and Jewell married on December 8, 1951. After graduation in 1949, he had applied and been admitted to medical school. While contemplating that decision, a good friend, O.R. Perkins, recruited him to teach, ''just for a year'', at a small rural school at which Mr. Perkins was the Superintendent. Mr. Perkins decided to return to Texas, and Wade was soon one of the youngest school superintendents in Arkansas. White County Central Schools was a poor rural school, and finances were always a concern. Wade purchased used school buses from wealthier districts, and he and his staff mechanic, Sam Crawford, rebuilt engines and kept them running. Wade, an accomplished mechanic,spray-painted several buses in the distinctive School Bus Yellow by himself. Wade received a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

In the 1960s, President Lyndon B. Johnson's ''War on Poverty'' brought sudden and unexpected federal funding to rural schools like Central Schools. Accustomed to operating on a shoe-string, Wade had a surplus at the end of the first year of the additional funding after paying everything that needed payment. He then wrote to the Arkansas Department of Education to inquire as to how to return surplus funds. The reply was that there was no such thing as surplus funds, and that he should find some way to spend it, as any return of funding would mean less funding would be allocated the next year. That and other such incidents formed Wade's opinion as to many government programs, believing that such spending could not be continued. In the meantime, he administered the schools, worked on equipment that failed, and patrolled parking lots during basketball games to keep mischief in check. He wasn't above trimming the campus grass on an old Farm-All Cub tractor.

By the 1970s, as he predicted, the other side of government spending began to appear. A movement to consolidate rural schools began as the government attempted to achieve ''economies of scale''. Wade joined his close friend, James Martin, in forming the Arkansas Rural Education Association, which lobbied the legislature and then-Governor Clinton to preserve local school boards and local control. He was very concerned that his students, almost all of which already required bus routes to get to school, would face even longer waits and bus rides. He was very pleased when Central Schools escaped consolidation, although many rural schools did not.

In 1977 Wade retired after 28 years as Central Schools Superintendent, and became the White County School Supervisor until his final retirement in 1992.

Wade enjoyed all types of vehicles and equipment. Capable of both body work and engine repair, he restored a 1923 Model T Touring Car and a 1931 Model A Roadster, among other cars, from rusted basket cases. One of his happiest moments was his recognition and award of a trophy by the local Dirt Road Car Club. Wade was a pilot until his family became more of a responsibility, and owned and operated boats, motorcycles, and tractors. He spent many summer vacations renovating various rental properties, and could built a house from the foundation to the roof. He was also an ''early adopter'' of gadgets, owning a Sony U-Matic Video Recorder in the early 1970s when recording television shows was very rare, along with sophisticated stereo equipment to assist his love of music.. He insisted on retaining many vehicles and properties until the very end of his life, as he enjoyed them so much.

Wade attended the College Church of Christ. Wade was predeceased by his parents, and is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jewell, and sons David, and his wife, Connie, of Dallas, Texas, Randy, of Searcy, Arkansas, Clark, of Grapevine, Texas, and Greg of Allen, Texas.

Funeral Services will be Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at 10:30 AM in the Chapel of Roller-Daniel Funeral Home. Entombment will follow at White County Memorial Gardens. For online guestbook, www. rollerfuneralhomes.com


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21 Condolence(s)
Velma Gould
Conway, AR
Liked
Friday, August 21, 2015

Jewell & family:

Just learned of Wade's passing today. So sorry. Hope you are doing well. God Bless. Velma.

Lynda Miller
JUDSONIA, AR
Liked
Thursday, August 20, 2015

Mrs. Jewell. I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Mr. Ozbirn, but remember working with you at WCC. Give my condolences to your family.

Bobby Bolding
Kennett,
Liked
Thursday, August 20, 2015

Dean Waineo
Detroit, MI
Liked
Thursday, August 20, 2015

Tom Brokaw wrote about the greatest generation of World War II people. Wade's life lessons to his boys came through in his work, ethics, and example more than words! I know he will be missed but his legacy lives on in his boys! David, my thoughts are with you in this time of reflection.

Tammy Bates
Grandview, TX
Liked
Wednesday, August 19, 2015

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Wade. He was a great man and loved by many. We love all of you and are keeping you in our prayers now and always. Although we were unable to attend our heart and spirits are always with you, ties that bind family together cannot be separated by miles. See you again in heaven Uncle Wade.... With our deepest sympathy, Max and Shirley Murray and Tammy and Tim Bates.

Sandra Orr Cassimus
Oklahoma City,
Liked
Wednesday, August 19, 2015

I am so sorry but I can say with confidence that Daddy will be delighted to see Wade Ozbirn at the Pearly Gates. Daddy and Momma always thought so highly of Mr. Ozbirn. He will be missed.

Ron and Donna Ramsey
Kensett, AR
Liked
Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Randy, we have been missing you at Country Kitchen and we are so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. We extend our sympathies to you and your Mom and your brothers. God Bless you and we hope to see you out and about again soon.

Erelene Davis
Citrus Heights, CA
Liked
Tuesday, August 18, 2015

May God cfort you and give you the strength needed for the coming days, Love to you all, Erelene

Judy Allen Covington
Searcy,
Liked
Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Mr. OZBIRN was such a nice man. Anytime you had a problem you could always talk to him and he would try to fix it. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Class of 64

Brenda Merriman Gilbert
Judsonia,
Liked
Tuesday, August 18, 2015

So sorry to hear of the loss of such a great man was loved by all who knew him , my prayers are with you Mrs. Jewell and family , he was a wonderful superintendent for all my school years !!

Mary Lou (Bell) Adams
,
Liked
Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Good memories of attending Central School and later working as Mr Ozbirn's secretary. He was a good man and dedicated to Central School. He touched many lives for the better.

Neva Simpson Yandell
Rockford, IL
Liked
Tuesday, August 18, 2015

What a great man.Our sympathies are with the family.

Neva Simpson Yandell
Rockford, IL
Liked
Tuesday, August 18, 2015

What a great man.Our sympathies are with the family.

Edwin Capps
Springdale,
Liked
Tuesday, August 18, 2015

People like Mr. Ozbirn come along once in a while. It was my pleasure to have known him.

shirley Roetzel Rambo
JACKSONVILLE, AR
Liked
Tuesday, August 18, 2015

You will be dearly missed.



You will be dearly missed,,, You was a great friend to my parents Leonard & Lavone ,brother Garland ,Gary and myself Shirley Roetzel







You willbe dearly missed,

Barbara (Cullum ) Allen
Judsonia, AR
Liked
Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Wonderful man

David Allen
Judsonia, AR
Liked
Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Great Man

Sam and Brenda Crawford
Judsonia, AR
Liked
Tuesday, August 18, 2015

We are sad to hear about Wade he was a great man and very good friend to Sam, our prayers are with you and your family may God give you strength to carry on love and prayers to all

Gene & Armilda Tyree
Elizabeth, AR
Liked
Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Our Thoughts and prayers are with you. Wade was such a special man and will be missed.

Guy & Joyce Humphries
Judsonia, AR
Liked
Tuesday, August 18, 2015

We love you Mrs. Jewel. You know of our deep regard for our friend and favorite teacher.

Wendell Nier
The Villages, FL
Liked
Tuesday, August 18, 2015

So very sorry for your loss. Mr. Ozbirn was a very fine man, friend, and educator.

May the Lord bless your family in the days ahead.

Prayerfully,

Wendell Nier
Class of 1962
White County Central School