Bruce Bigley

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Bruce Neil Bigley, born on October 10, 1946, in Carthage, MO, to Neil Bigley and Ruth (Grimes) Bigley, passed away on July 23, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He grew up in Webb City and graduated from Webb City High School in 1964. Following high school, he attended Jasper County (Joplin) Junior College.

Bruce served his country honorably as a medic in the United States Army during the Vietnam War until May of 1969. After his service, he dedicated his professional life to helping others as an LPN and respiratory therapist at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, MO. Bruce also served as a fireman for the Joplin Fire Department for over 21 years, retiring in 2008.

In 1966, Bruce married Sherryl Byrd, who survives him. Together, they had two daughters, Kellie Denise Bigley and Courtney Renay Bigley. On July 28, 1989, he married Sondra Stanford.

Bruce is preceded in death by his parents, Neil and Ruth, and his niece, Stacey McMeen. He is survived by his loving wife Sondra, his sister Kathy Wright (Eric); his daughters Kellie Bigley Adkins (Jim) and Courtney Bigley Pickett; his stepchildren Tim Headen (Cally) and Shayna Headen Collette (Mike); along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones.

Bruce was a proud grandfather to Greg Adkins, Kai Roderique, Devin, Alex, Landon, Jensyn Pickett, Tanner Headen, Mikaylin, and Cassidy Collette, and a great-grandfather to Penelope, Braylee, and Damarion.

Bruce was an active member of his community, participating in the Jaycees and the Lion’s Club. He found joy in many activities, including deer camp, fishing, hunting, camping, canoeing, and attending car shows. Bruce cherished the time spent with his grandchildren, especially letting them drive the farm truck, and loved family card and board games. He also took pride in starting a hobby farm. Bruce and his wife had attended Christ's Church of Oronogo for the past several years.

Funeral services for Bruce will be held on Monday, July 29th, 2pm at Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. A visitation will be held from 1pm until service time at the same venue. Graveside committal will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery's open air pavilion with full honors from both the military and the Joplin Fire Department Honor Guard. Pallbearers for Bruce's service will be Devin Pickett, Alex Pickett, Landon Pickett, Tanner Headen, Mike Collette, and Jim Parrish. Honorary pallbearers include Tom McAfee and Rusty Stanford.

Bruce will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his service to his community, and his unwavering love for his grandchildren. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.




Funeral services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of Bruce.