Wade Stephens Jr. was born on December 12, 1970, in Tampa, Florida. As the son of a military family, he spent his early years living abroad and stateside with his family before eventually settling in Bellevue, Nebraska, where he graduated from Bellevue East High School.

Years later, Wade (aka Jr) began his career with the Douglas County Department of Corrections. Over the course of 21 years, he grew into a respected leader and trainer within the department before eventually retiring. During his tenure, he played a vital role in developing and training staff, overseeing new hire development, and providing ongoing instruction for frontline officers. He also served as an instructor and second in command of the Corrections Emergency Response Team (CERT), earning the respect of his colleagues for his leadership, knowledge, and commitment to safety. His training motto was “I want you to go home and hug something or somebody. I don’t care if it’s a tree.”

As a highly accomplished instructor, Wade held numerous certifications in defensive tactics, crisis intervention, and verbal defense. Most recently, he became a certified Instructor Trainer through Bruce Siddle’s Human Factor Research Group Defensive Tactics System. He earned the rare distinction of being 1 of only 232 individuals worldwide to hold these elite certifications in threat pattern recognition, use of force tactics, ground control, and edged weapon defense.

Wade was deeply passionate about empowering others with the skills and confidence to protect themselves. He developed and taught a women’s self-defense program that he shared with students and young women throughout the community. A dedicated martial artist, Wade held the rank of 2nd Dan Black Belt in Combat Hapkido and was honored with the Combat Hapkido Instructor of the Year Award in 2023 for his commitment to teaching and leadership in the discipline.

In addition, Wade worked as a certified Executive Protection Specialist, providing protection for entertainers, executives, and public figures, including traveling internationally while providing protection services for five-time Grammy Award-winning vocalist Lalah Hathaway.

Above all, Wade was a husband, father, son, and brother. He is survived by his loving wife, Courtney Stephens; his children, Makaila Brown-Hepburn, Naria Stephens, Arieus Stephens, and Brielle Harris, Brynnae Harris; his parents, Wendy and Wade Stephens Sr.; his sister, Kieva Stephens; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles, and many other loved ones who will forever cherish his love and guidance.

Wade will be remembered as a protector, teacher, and mentor whose strength, knowledge, and compassion touched countless lives. His legacy of service and empowerment will live on through those he trained, protected, and loved.

Services will be held at Grace Apostolic Church, 2216 Military Ave, Omaha Nebraska 68111.Viewing will be held from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM with Funeral Service at 10:00 AM. A Repass will follow at the Level Event Center, 5421 N 103rd Street Ste 100, Omaha Nebraska 68134.