Joe Lee Wise, age 99, of Springfield, Missouri.

Joe Lee Wise, age 99, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2025. He was born on December 7, 1925, in Crane, Missouri, the son of Heber and Beatrice (Hilton) Wise.

Joe was raised in a two-room house with no running water or electricity on a small family farm in rural Missouri. The house was lit by kerosene lanterns and heated in the winter by a wood-burning stove. Rainwater was collected from the roof and stored in an aboveground cistern for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Everything they needed was grown or raised on the 40-acre farm.

Joe graduated from Crane High School after his junior year, where he was student body president and lettered in both football and basketball. Immediately after graduation, Joe enlisted and served two years in the Navy until he was discharged at the end of WWII. While in the service he attended college at Southeast Missouri State Teachers College, Western Michigan College of Education, and Northwestern University. After his discharge, Joe enlisted in the Navy Reserves and completed his final courses at Southwest Missouri State College. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in only three years of total study.

Joe married the love of his life, Wanda Louise Edwards, in May of 1951, who preceded him in death in 2023. To this 72-year union, three sons were born.

Joe was a high school teacher for eleven years where he taught Math, Physics, Art, P.E., and coached several sports at a variety of Missouri schools. In the summers he attended the University of Missouri where he earned his Master of Education degree. From 1959 to 1964 Joe worked as a mathematics consultant for the Missouri State Department of Education in Jefferson City. In 1964 Joe started his career as a professor of mathematics at Southwest Missouri State College. He taught mathematics for 27 years and was always a favorite of his students.

Throughout his life, Joe demonstrated his talent as an artist. He enjoyed painting, woodworking, and sculpting, and was continually making or building items as gifts for friends and family.

After his retirement, Joe and Wanda enjoyed spending time with family, bass fishing at Table Rock Lake, traveling the country in their RV, and wintering in Venice, Florida. Most of all they enjoyed spending time together.

He is survived by his three sons: Charles Wise (Donna), Bob Wise (Anita), Bill Wise (Andi); nine grandchildren: Chris Wise, Eric Wise, Jason Wise, Mindy (Wise) Munoz, Amy (Wise) Bontrager, Shannon (Wise) Long, Jamie (Wise) Aton, Joe Wise, and Megan (Wise) Evans; seventeen great-grandchildren; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

Joe will be remembered as a person of honesty and integrity, a devoted spouse, loyal friend, and a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was always a teacher and example to everyone who knew him. Joe will be missed.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks. To leave an online condolence or memory, please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.