Carol Ann Wait

Carol A. Wait passed away on September 7, 2021. She was born on December 14, 1939 in Des Moines, IA and lived in Cedar Rapids, IA for a time where she was a Junior Speed Skater. As an early teenager her family moved to the Kansas City Area where she later attended Lillis High School. After graduating from Lillis, Carol served in the United States Air Force as a Percussionist in the Military Band. Following honorable discharge, she met her Husband, Gary in Kansas City. Together they started a family and built the beginning of a legacy.

Carol was very active in her community and lived a full life. She was a nurse for many years before joining Gary in managing the Police Benefit Association, where she served as the Business Manager for over a decade after his passing. Together they were known for their work on the Police Circus, where she shined as a clown with the name of “Slick, the Sergeant of Silliness”. Slick would also clown around, making appearances in parades, parties, visiting nursing homes and other events. Slick… or Carol could be seen traveling with her RV, camping and enjoying a nice evening with friends. Carol was a Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star Chapter #58 as well as a member of the Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America.
She leaves behind her loving family including her daughters Deborah Baskett and Kathryn Wait. The many grandsons Richard, Joseph, Michael (Brittany), Matthew, Steven (Dariann); the only granddaughter Erin, and those that call her “Grandma the Great”: Joey, Lillian, David, Myles and Ronan as well as her furry friend, Carmella. She is preceded in death by her parents Robert and Phoebe Pierce; beloved Husband Gary Wait, and daughter Kelly (Wait) Uppman.

A visitation to honor Carol will be held on Tuesday, September 14, from 6-8:00 p.m., at Speaks Suburban Chapel, at 18020 E. 39th Street, Independence, MO 64055. A graveside service will be held the following day, Wednesday, September 15, at 10:00 a.m., at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Raytown, MO. In honor of Carol, the family suggests any contributions to be made to the Burned Unit at Shriners Hospitals for Children, 4400 Clayton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600).

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."
John 14:1-3 (King James Version)

"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen."