Dr. Roger Keith Bright DDS

Dr. Roger K Bright, DDS, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025, in Nixa, Missouri, at the age of 86 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on April 21, 1939, in Norton, Kansas, Roger's life was marked by dedication to his family, his profession, and his country.

Roger's early life in Kansas laid the foundation for a lifetime of learning and service. After graduating from Maryville High School in 1957, he pursued his undergraduate studies at Northwest Missouri State University and Kansas University, after which he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Missouri Kansas City. Shortly after graduating, Roger was drafted as a Captain in the United States Army Dental Corp, where he served 2 years in El Paso Texas during the Vietnam War.

After his military service, Roger's passion for dentistry led him to join a small practice in Colby, Kansas. After a long Colby winter, he moved his family to Springfield, Missouri, and opened a private practice. Soon after, his entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly as he became one of the eight founding dentists of Parkcrest Dental Group in 1974. This innovative dental group was a pioneer in Springfield, starting with about 30 employees and growing to over 70, a testament to the group's vision and commitment to community health.

Roger served his profession by leading the Springfield Dental Society as President and sitting on the board of Delta Dental.

Among his many interests, Roger had a deep love for the game of golf and belonged to Fremont Hills Country Club for many years. He cherished the times spent on the golf course, whether playing, watching, or good-naturedly ribbing his friends. In his younger years, he floated most rivers in Southwest Missouri. His love for games extended to a long-standing poker group, with whom he shared over 50 years of camaraderie. Roger also loved Cribbage, which he played at a young age with his father. He and Sue continued that tradition by playing cribbage daily, one of their favorite competitions.

Travel was another passion for Roger and Sue, as they enjoyed exploring the world and visiting family. Roger faithfully attended his grandchildren's sporting events and dance recitals. He was honorary PaPa to the triplets around the corner at Fremont Hills. In his later years, Roger found tranquility in the simple pleasures of life, such as sitting on the deck watching birds or enjoying an evening fire.

Roger is survived by his devoted companion, Sue Moore; the mother of his children, Karleen Bright; his sister, Ginny (Mike) Thompson; his children, Michelle (Mike) Kimrey, Melanie Bright, David Bright; Sue's son, Brian (Sandy) Moore; his grandchildren, Katie Bright, Jack Bright, Cooper Kimrey, Gracie Kimrey, Mariah Moore, Amanda (Josh) VanEvery; as well as Sue's great-grandchildren. Roger also leaves behind a loving circle of nieces, nephews and friends.

Roger's life was a tapestry woven with success and failure, love and heartbreak, and ultimately the joy he found in the simple moments. He lived a full life in which he felt love and gratitude for everyone around him. Roger will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege to know him.

To honor Roger's memory, a celebration of life will be held at Fremont Hills Country Club, 1953 Fremont Hills Drive, Nixa Missouri 65714, on August 31 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to Least of These, Ozark Missouri, or your favorite charity.