Bradley Dean Cox

Bradley Dean Cox, 61, passed away on April 27, 2026, with his sisters by his side. He was born on July 23, 1964, in Leavenworth, Kansas, to Harold and Doris Cox. Brad was baptized at an early age at the First General Baptist Church.

Brad grew up in south Springfield, Missouri, alongside his parents and two older sisters. He graduated from Kickapoo High School and later attended Vatterott College, where he earned a degree in Computer Assisted Drafting. He began working shortly after high school at Heuer Williams Wholesale Shoe Warehouse and later spent several years at Polyfab Plastics. However, the role that truly fit his heart was his work with the Meals on Wheels program at Northview Senior Center. Brad volunteered there for eight years before earning a paid position, and the center became like a second family to him.

Born with spina bifida, Brad never allowed his condition to define him. He faced life with determination, humor, and resilience. Even after losing the use of his legs, he continued to do what he loved most. He was a huge Kansas City Chiefs fan as well as NASCAR. He loved dogs and had several special pets during his lifetime.

Brad had a deep love for the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He was an excellent marksman and enjoyed both rifle and bow hunting. Fishing, however, was his true passion. He often traveled to Pomme de Terre Lake, sometimes sleeping in his chair so he could be ready to fish at sunrise. In the final weeks of his life, he was still able to enjoy fishing several times—something that brought him great joy.

Brad never knew a stranger and had a gift for conversation, often striking up friendships wherever he went. Known for his playful spirit, Brad loved a good prank. He was famous for ordering plastic snakes and spiders to surprise his nurses, and once sent a nurse searching for his socks—only to reveal with a grin that he didn’t have feet.

Above all, Brad had a generous and compassionate heart. He would quite literally give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. His kindness, humor, and strength touched the lives of many, and he will be deeply missed.

Brad was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Doris Cox. He is survived by his sisters, Cathy and Eric Callahan and Patty Murray; his nieces and nephews, Clayton Morelock, Dylan Murray, Debra and Josh Scheppmann, and Heather and Josh Lewis; and his great-nieces and great-nephews, Kaeley Morelock, Josalynn Scheppmann, Addison Lewis, Harper Lewis, Elle Morelock, Carson Scheppmann, Greyson Scheppmann, and Cole Lewis.

His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on May 2, 2026 at the Northview Senior Center, 305 E Talmage Street, Springfield.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Springfield Humane Society or Peterson Outdoor Ministries (www.petersonoutdoors.org).