Kevin Hargis

Father, grandfather, brother and friend, Kevin Hargis, passed away on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield at the age of 61.

Kevin was born on September 1, 1963, one of three sons, to Wayne & Jane Hargis. He grew up in Branson attending Branson schools. He played football with his brother Bruce all throughout high school. He was very successful in track as a sprinter, specifically the short and middle distance relays. His senior year the 4x400 relay team he was on set the Branson High School record which stood for 44 years, before being broken in 2024.

After graduating from Branson High School, Kevin continued in his drive to help others by becoming a certified EMT and volunteer firefighter with the Taney County Fire Department. He helped countless people during this time, after which he briefly attended SMSU in Springfield.

Kevin had a love of cooking from an early age. He was bussing table at 8 years old and flippin' burgers at age 12 in his family's restaurant, Wayne's in Branson. So after a short time in college he moved to Baltimore, MD to pursue his passion and attend culinary school where he earned the Cordon Bleu diploma and became a certified executive chef.

He returned to Springfield and worked at the Ramada Inn's fine dining house restaurant. He worked at or opened several establishments during his career including, Rock Lane Resort, Wayne's Gravel Bar, Paradise Grill, Pointe Royale's clubhouse, the 19th hole and Hogan's Bistro. Even after leaving the kitchen and ownership, his love of people, food and hospitality kept him in the restaurant business, serving at Tony Z's.

Kevin will be remembered not just for his amazing culinary skills and entrepreneurial success but as an amazing dad, a hard worker and a great teacher. He loved people and his love was unconditional. He was empathetic and patient with just the right amount of eccentricity sprinkled in. He treated his patrons to not just delicious food but could create beautiful ice sculptures and fun balloon animals. He loved football, the Kansas City Chiefs, NASCAR and playing golf. He took care of his family and friends, and he will be missed beyond measure.

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne & Jane Hargis and his beloved granddaughter, Nevaeh Hargis.

He is survived by his children, Ashley Quigley of Independence, Allissa Hargis of Springfield and Austin Hargis of Branson; their mom and Kevin's former wife, Bobbi Hargis of Branson; his brothers, Bruce Hargis of Branson and Justin Hargis of Richmond, VA; his adored grandchildren, Ryan Howard, Brielle Howard, Kylie Wilson, Aiden Wilson, Brayden Wilson and Liam Hargis and he was a beloved uncle to Justin's children, Kylie Hargis, Justin Wayne Hargis Jr., and Jose Logan Hargis .

The family will hold a private celebration of Kevin's life. Arrangements were in the care of Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory, Branson.