Wade Murphree

R. Wade Murphree passed away on December 1, 2024, at the home of his daughter, Elizabeth Murphree, in Conifer, Colorado. Born on November 4, 1936, in Fort Worth, Texas, Wade was the son of Fred and Myrle Heath Murphree.

 Wade built a meaningful career as the owner of Denver Institute of Technology and Parks School of Business in Denver, as well as American Institute of Truck Driving (AIT) schools in Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas, and Albuquerque. An advocate for trade and technical education, he served on the Commission for Post Secondary Education in both Arizona and Colorado, and as a Commissioner on the boards of AICS and NATTS. He was a founding board member of Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) and Commercial Driver Training Foundation. Wade was known for his charisma, wisdom, and leadership, qualities that earned him the respect of those who knew him.

 He proudly served in the Marine Corps and toured with the U. S. Army Field Band as a soloist. Wade enjoyed golfing, hunting, and competing in Skeet and Sporting Clays Shooting—hobbies that brought him joy throughout his life. Wade will be remembered for his kindness and love of a good story or a day spent outdoors.

 Wade is survived by his children, Daniel Murphree of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Elizabeth Murphree of Conifer, Colorado, as well as their mother, Sue Murphree, also of Scottsdale. He is also survived by his sister, Myrlene Murphree Shirley, and her husband, Tony, of Fort Worth, Texas. Wade was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Lee Murphree.

 The family would like to give a special thanks to his caretakers, Rinny Hannigan, Riley Pfeiffer, and Rose Castillo-Dunn, and Mount Evans Home Health and Hospice of Evergreen, Co. The family would also like to thank Evergreen Memorial Park for handling his cremation.

 In honor of Wade’s lifelong passion for firearms and shooting sports, donations may be made in his memory to the NRA Ring of Freedom. Go to www.nraringoffreedom.com/donate/ and Click to make this donation a tribute.

 A virtual memorial service will be held at a later date.