Timothy Rex Bruce

Timothy Rex Bruce, 46, was born to Rex and Betty Bruce in Nevada, Nov. 12, 1977. He departed this world to his heavenly home on Dec. 30, 2023. His favorite song was “I Can Only Imagine” and we can only imagine the joy beaming from his face as he entered heaven’s gates to see his Father’s face for the first time. Tim attended Sulphur Springs Baptist Church near El Dorado Springs with his family as a child. He took the Lord to be his Savior while attending this church. Tim grew up on his family’s farm in Walker, gaining a love for the outdoors and hunting. He attended Walker School, graduating with class of 1996. He actively participated in the Walker 4-H during his childhood and had a love for the club throughout his life, sharing this passion with his children. He was a huge supporter of the Vernon County Youth Fair.

Tim was blessed with two amazing children, Dalton Lane and Hadley Lynn. He considered them his greatest blessings and his pride and joy. He loved watching his children grow and being an active part of their lives. Being a dad was the highlight of his life. He never missed a game or an activity his kids were a part of. His joy was multiplied when his grandson, Bexon Lane, entered his world in 2017.

He was an avid hunter and sports fan. Some of his most treasured memories come from hunting with his son Dalton. During high school he played baseball and basketball for his high school team, the Walker Pirates. Tim loved to watch the Kansas City Chiefs and was a lifelong fan of KU Jayhawks. He was thrilled when his daughter Hadley decided to attend KU to pursue her college degree. Hadley and Tim had many special adventures on the KU campus watching games and meeting one of his idols, Bill Self, a bucket list check off.

Tim was great with his hands, creating many splendors of work through woodworking and tinkering on vehicles for friends and family. He could easily put together a project without a diagram, only using his visual skills.

Tim also had amazing cooking skills. He is best known for his smoked meats and chili that could set your mouth on fire. Not many dared to eat the chili, but Tim. He also loved to grow the hottest peppers around and create his own seasoning blends. Trust us, nobody else could eat that fire-hot blend either.

Tim was a hard worker throughout his life. Before graduating, Tim worked on the Burch Farm helping to haul hay during the summers. Shortly after graduation he worked for Murphy Family Farms.  Later, working at 3M, ADM labs and most recently Eagle Picher in Joplin. He considered his colleagues at Eagle Picher to be his second family.

Preceding Tim in death were his grandparents and his father, Rex Bruce.

Survivors include his mother, Betty Bruce; son, Dalton (Caitlin) Bruce and grandson, Bexon Bruce; daughter, Hadley Bruce; sister, Tammy (Gavon) Hutchison and nephew, Landon Hutchison. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and beloved friends.

Services were held Saturday, Jan. 6, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada with Scotty Pritchett officiating. The family received friends prior to the service. Those who wish may contribute in Tim’s memory to the Vernon County Youth Fair in c/o Ferry Funeral Home.

You may view obituary and send condolences on line at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.