In Loving Memory of Joshua Wadds – March 11, 1988 – June 8, 2025

Josh was born on March 11, 1988, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Gordon James Wadds and Kim Lee Kennedy. He grew up in Ovid, Michigan, and in 2021 made his way to Texas. That same year, on June 5, he met the love of his life, Garrett Glidewell, with whom he shared a deep and joyful partnership.

Josh had a magnetic personality; witty, warm, and endlessly full of laughter. Everything seemed to make him laugh, and his vibrant sense of humor brought light to every room he entered. He cherished spending time outdoors with his family, especially at horse shows where he proudly supported his twin sister, Jolene Wadds.

Gardening brought him peace, and music was a constant in his life, he especially loved Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Orville Peck, Billy Strings, and RÜFÜS DU SOL. His favorite color was green, a reflection of his deep appreciation for nature and growth.

Josh was known for his adaptability and skill; he excelled at anything he put his mind to. He had a generous heart, a strong sense of family, a cowboy spirit, and he will always be remembered as fun-loving, giving, and kind. He encouraged those around him to live in the moment and to make time for the people they love.

Above all else, Josh loved his family and his three dogs: Rudy, Anubis, and Grendel.

Josh is survived by his spouse, Garrett Glidewell; his mother, Kim Kennedy, and her spouse Scott Kennedy; his father, Gordon Wadds, and his spouse Debbie Wadds; his twin sister, Jolene Wadds, and her spouse Beau Foster; his brother, Justin Wadds, and his spouse Josee Desbiens; and his stepsisters Samantha Kennedy, Summer Kennedy, and Shelby Kryzanowski. He is also survived by his three cherished nieces, Ava, Jordyn, and Hallie, his fur babies Rudy and Grendel, and many extended family members and close friends who will carry his memory forward.

Josh’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and living fully in the moment. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Please join us for a casual, heartfelt gathering to celebrate the life of Josh. We’ll share stories, music, laughter, and love as we remember him and the impact he made on all of us. Food generously provided by HEB.

When: Saturday, July 26th, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Where: LizzyGator’s, 12222 Massey Rd, Pilot Point, Texas 76258 (Parking may be limited. Carpool encouraged)

Dress Code: Casual — come as your authentic self

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you there.

A celebration of life will also be held in Michigan in October 2025, details are pending at this time.

The family encourages donations to cancer research in Josh’s memory (https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/departments/simmons/giving/).