Bruce Lais

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Bruce Lais, known as “Big B” to many “Indian” to some, saw this party come to an end when he passed away at home on February 7, 2024, at the age of 73 years young. 

Bruce grew up in Seneca, Mo, became an Eagle Scout, and graduated from Seneca High School in 1968. He went from there to Missouri Southern State College where he played basketball, was chairman of the college union board, and was a member of the Mu Sig (Sigma Nu) Fraternity. There he infamously “shook Jimmy Buffet’s hand” and met most of his “framily” where the laughter and memories were tinged in red, white and blue and came in a Volkswagen bus.

Bruce owned and managed Big B Body Shop for several decades where he is sure to have fixed a dent or two in most of the cars in Joplin. Bruce was a generous contributor of time and resources to various organizations throughout the years which benefited the Boys and Girls Club, Joplin Area Catholic Schools, Joplin High School Band, and he was a proud member and past Exalted Ruler of the Joplin Elks Lodge #501.

Bruce’s laughter was contagious, you always knew when he entered a room or when he joined you on the dance floor while listening to his favorite music. His passions included socializing with friends, hosting and planning annual parties, and traveling to the beach.

His life was constantly filled with laughter and joy, and we still see him in those he left behind. Bruce is survived by the loves of his life Becky (Walker) Lais and his daughter, Sarah (Lais) Hines, who along with his son-in-law Clint Hines, gave him his heart and soul in his two granddaughters, Azlynn J and Graie Marin Hines.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Corrine Lais (Joplin) and sister Joyce Hill (Florida). He is survived by his brother Dr. Randy Lais and Jackie of Arkansas and his sister Barbara (Lais) and Dave Hawkins, Christopher Rowan and Matthew Rowan of Montana.

Bruce’s family was the most important thing to him in life including his sister-in-law Karen (Wells-Lee) Lais of Joplin, MO, his niece, Miranda (Lais) Quintana and Efren, Cameren, Isabel and Gabe Quintana of Overland Park, KS and nephews, Bo and Barb, Ayden and Ethan Lais of Overland Park, KS and Barrett and Jessica, Hudson, Sawyer and E.J. Lais of Arkansas who were like sons, daughters and grandchildren to him; they will carry on their Uncle Bruce’s legacy of caring and loving those around them.

Bruce’s C&C friends were more than friends to him, they were extensions of himself and even when the party was slowing down, they remained by his side till the very end. There was no one that he would have rather sailed through life with—he will be there to meet all of you with a drink and a pirate hat.

Memorial service, followed by visitation, to be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday February 15, 2024, at Mason Woodard Chapel.