(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)Bradley Leander Lankford, age 65, of Joplin, passed away peacefully on Sunday September 19, 2021, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Brad was born on November 2, 1955, in Neosho, MO, the son of Rex Junior and Ella Belle (Golden) Lankford. He has been a lifetime area resident. He graduated from Seneca High School in 1973. He attended MSSU majoring in Computer Science & Business Accounting. He was a member of the MU Sigma Chapter of the Sigma NU Fraternity.
He began his work career as a data processor in 1976 for 1st National Bank in Joplin. After moving to Oklahoma City, OK, he worked for First Data Management. He then moved back to the area and became Vice President of Data Processing at the Pittsburg First Federal Savings & Loan, opening data centers to process checks and loans. In 1995, Brad went to work in data management for Jack Henry retiring in 2021 after twenty-five years of service.
Brad married the love of his life Mary Catherine Bishop on June 6, 1980, at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. Together they were blessed with two daughters. He loved watching his daughter’s activities and accomplishments. Brad was a member of the Swars Prairie Baptist Church in Seneca, MO. He was also a member of the MSSU Lionbackers. Brad and Cathy enjoyed many years of Dinner Group, candy making, Eureka Springs St. Patrick’s Day Parade and beach trips to Florida and Alabama.
He loved sports. In his younger years hunting and fishing were his favorite pastime. He especially loved baseball and was a fan of the ST. Louis Cardinals, and the Missouri Tigers. When his girls were in high school, he started going to the JHS baseball games and hanging out with all the player’s dads. That is where he met many of his best friends. Ed Schiller and Mike Carder were responsible for getting him interested in the game of golf, they were always ready for a round of golf. Due to health issues, Brad started the YMCA Train to Run Group and was a member of the Rufus Racing Group. He ran several half marathons and 5K’s. His best race was the Mayor’s Relay Marathon thru the trails with his daughters in Anchorage, AL. He loved riding his bike every weekend with friends. Dan Middleton and Patrick Tuttle were always ready for an impromptu bike ride. He also enjoyed riding for charities: Neosho Fish Hatchery bike ride, Gorilla Century Bike Ride, and he also participated in the Svitak Cycling Fundraiser (2-100 mile bike race). Brad will be remembered for his friendliness, his insight and perspective and for being a very patient person.
Brad is survived by the love of his life, Cathy Lankford, Joplin; two daughters, Ashley Marie Lankford, Anchorage, AK, and Megan Michelle Carder and husband Kyle, Joplin; a granddaughter, Brittain Lankford Carder, and a grandson, Ellis Odes Carder; his mother, Ella Belle (Golden) Lankford, Seneca, MO; and two sisters, Toni Weston and husband Steve, Seneca, MO, and Melina Bandy and husband Doug, Granby, MO. He was preceded in death by his father, Rex Junior Lankford.
A Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday at Mason-Woodard Chapel. Doug Lawson, Minister will officiate. A visitation will be held 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Mason-Woodard Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Svitak Memorial Bikes for Veteran’s Fund or the Swars Prairie Baptist Church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.
Brad married the love of his life Mary Catherine Bishop on June 6, 1980, at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. Together they were blessed with two daughters. He loved watching his daughter’s activities and accomplishments. Brad was a member of the Swars Prairie Baptist Church in Seneca, MO. He was also a member of the MSSU Lionbackers. Brad and Cathy enjoyed many years of Dinner Group, candy making, Eureka Springs St. Patrick’s Day Parade and beach trips to Florida and Alabama.
He loved sports. In his younger years hunting and fishing were his favorite pastime. He especially loved baseball and was a fan of the ST. Louis Cardinals, and the Missouri Tigers. When his girls were in high school, he started going to the JHS baseball games and hanging out with all the player’s dads. That is where he met many of his best friends. Ed Schiller and Mike Carder were responsible for getting him interested in the game of golf, they were always ready for a round of golf. Due to health issues, Brad started the YMCA Train to Run Group and was a member of the Rufus Racing Group. He ran several half marathons and 5K’s. His best race was the Mayor’s Relay Marathon thru the trails with his daughters in Anchorage, AL. He loved riding his bike every weekend with friends. Dan Middleton and Patrick Tuttle were always ready for an impromptu bike ride. He also enjoyed riding for charities: Neosho Fish Hatchery bike ride, Gorilla Century Bike Ride, and he also participated in the Svitak Cycling Fundraiser (2-100 mile bike race). Brad will be remembered for his friendliness, his insight and perspective and for being a very patient person.
Brad is survived by the love of his life, Cathy Lankford, Joplin; two daughters, Ashley Marie Lankford, Anchorage, AK, and Megan Michelle Carder and husband Kyle, Joplin; a granddaughter, Brittain Lankford Carder, and a grandson, Ellis Odes Carder; his mother, Ella Belle (Golden) Lankford, Seneca, MO; and two sisters, Toni Weston and husband Steve, Seneca, MO, and Melina Bandy and husband Doug, Granby, MO. He was preceded in death by his father, Rex Junior Lankford.
A Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday at Mason-Woodard Chapel. Doug Lawson, Minister will officiate. A visitation will be held 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Mason-Woodard Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Svitak Memorial Bikes for Veteran’s Fund or the Swars Prairie Baptist Church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.
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