Pastor Luke William Wise, of Plainville, Kansas passed away on February 27, 2025, at the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville, at the age of 41. He was born on March 10, 1983, to Ronald “Ron” Duane and Mary Beth (Hargrave) Wise in Hays, Kansas. He was married on June 1, 2013, to Amanda Nicole Fronce in Plainville, Kansas at the United Methodist Church. God blessed them with three daughters, Hadassah, Lillyana and Ronniyah.
Luke was raised in Plainville for the entirety of his youth. While Luke enjoyed many things growing up, nothing would ever be able to surpass his love for the sport of wrestling. Though talented, the bulk of Luke’s success in wrestling could only be credited to his hard work, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to see his dream of winning a state title come to fruition. On February 23rd, 2002, that dream became a reality when Luke secured victory his senior year of high school, becoming a 3-2-1A state champion.
As life unfolded, Luke would soon find himself in a different kind of wrestling match. One that wasn’t fought under bright gymnasium lights but in the relentless grip of alcoholism. What began as harmless fun nights of laughter, parties, and celebration - slowly tightened its hold, pulling him away from the people and passions he once cherished most. As time passed, the fight grew harder, and the victories became fewer. Hope seemed lost, and the weight of the world seemed to have him pinned down for good. Then, at rock bottom, the same hands that had formed him from the beginning reached in and brought redemption to Luke’s life (Psalm 103:10-13). In that moment, he experienced the fullness of God’s salvation. His shame washed away, made clean by grace, and embraced by the unconditional love of a Father who had never given up on him. Luke was born again, a new man with a new mission: to share the love and truth of Christ with everyone he encountered. His story, once marked by struggle, became a testimony of grace, redemption, and the unfailing power of God’s love.
After encountering the transforming power of Christ, Luke devoted his life to ministry, becoming a steadfast leader in the church. He played a pivotal role in helping establish the Oasis Church plant in Salina, KS (2017-18), laying a foundation for others to encounter the same redemption he had experienced. In 2018, he stepped into the pastoral role at Ark City First Church of the Nazarene, faithfully shepherding the congregation until 2021. God then led him back to his hometown, where he accepted the call to pastor the Nazarene Church in Plainville, KS. There, from 2021 to 2025, Luke poured out his heart, preaching the gospel to the very people who had helped shape his faith, completing his life’s work in the place and among the people he cherished most.
Even as Luke faithfully served in ministry, he continued to make a lasting impact on the wrestling world, becoming the head coach of the Plainville High School girls wrestling team. To Luke, coaching was more than just building champions on the mat, it was about shaping hearts, instilling confidence, and teaching perseverance in the face of adversity. He
poured his love into the athletes, seeing them not just as competitors but as young women with incredible potential, both in wrestling and in life. His devotion did not go unnoticed, and he was honored with the prestigious Cody Lambotte 'Courage in Coaching' award—a testament to his character, resilience, and the profound influence he had on the sport and the lives of those he mentored. For Luke, coaching was another avenue of ministry, another way to uplift, encourage, and pour into the next generation with the same passion that fueled his preaching.
Luke was known for his unwavering faith, his kindness, and his deep commitment to serving others, but above all, he was a devoted husband to Amanda and a loving father to their three daughters. They were his greatest joy, the heartbeat of his life, and the inspiration behind his actions. His love for them was evident in every moment shared, every sacrifice made, and every lesson taught. Though he will be deeply missed, the impact of his love, faith, and devotion will continue to live on in his family and all who were blessed to know him.
Survivors include his wife, Amanda and daughters, Haddie, Lilly and Ronni, all of the home; mother, Mary (William) Workman of Natoma; brothers, Scott (Danelle) Wise, of Plainville, Josh Wise, of Plainville; numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ron Wise; grandparents, Don and Maxine Wise and Al and Tiny Hargrave.
Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 5th, 2025, at 10:00 AM, at the Methodist Church in Plainville. Burial will follow at the Plainville Cemetery with dinner following at the Nazarene Church. Visitation will be on Tuesday, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, we’d like to ask you to prayerfully consider giving to Luke’s memorial fund or the Plainville Nazarene Church to help continue Luke’s mission of “building a community of hope through the love of Jesus.” Donations may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd, Plainville, Kansas 67663. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com
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If Luke could leave you with one final message, it would be the truth that anchored his life: ‘There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus’ (Romans 8:1). He lived and breathed this promise, and his greatest hope was that all would come to know the freedom, grace, and unfailing love that is found in Christ alone.