Bradley Stephen "Brad" Neely

NEELY - Bradley Stephen "Brad", 53, of Joplin, died Friday, October 9, 2009, at his residence in Joplin from natural causes. He had been in ill health for three years. He was born December 1, 1955 in Tacoma, WA, the son of William R. "Bill" and Carolyn J. Meredith Neely. Brad lived in Joplin most of his childhood. He attended Parkwood High School and graduated in 1974. He was active in many school clubs and participated in varsity wrestling. Brad was president of the Key Club his senior year. The Key Club was a civic minded club that helped arrange many school functions, such as homecoming and assemblies. Brad was also in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He graduated with a bachelor degree in History and Criminal Justice from Missouri Southern State College in 1979. Brad was accepted to the Tulsa Police Academy the same year. Brad spent over 20 years in law enforcement with the Tulsa Police Department and the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation. He was proud to serve his community and honored to be awarded a service commendation for life saving. He married Carolyn Ruth Spracklen in 1978, in Joplin. They resided in Tulsa where they raised their three children. Sons, Carey W. (29) of Tulsa and Stephen B. (27) and wife Jennifer of Oklahoma City; and daughter Claire Michelle (25) of Tulsa. Brad's passion for flying was beyond approach. He obtained a private pilots license at the age of 17. He worked at a local airport washing and fueling planes to earn money to pay for his lessons. Brad bought a small plane and enjoyed flying about the country. His most favored trip was to "the National Fly In" held in Oshkosh, WI each year. His nickname "Crash" had nothing what so ever to do with his flying ability. Brad just had a difficult time keeping paint and bumpers on his cars. In High School he also had a part time job at an auto body shop to help off set those expenses. In 1985, Brad was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa a debilitating eye disease, which forced him into an early retirement as a policeman. Unfortunately, Brad had to give up his piloting privileges and driving. This proved to be too difficult for him to over come. Brad had been in poor health for several years. Brad was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Carolyn Neely of Joplin and his younger sister, Sabra Lynn Neely. Additional survivors include his brother, Gregory Neely of Joplin and a sister, Sacha Neely Parker of Springfield, MO; many nieces and nephews, including five on the Neely side of the family. Brad was very proud of his children and their accomplishments. He did not have the opportunity to meet his son, Stephens new wife, Jennifer Payne before his illness. I know Brad would have been proud. A special thanks to Rick and Marsha Mize "his eyes" and care givers for the past two years. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, October 15, 2009, at Parker Mortuary in Joplin. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Webb City, MO. Arrangements are by the Midland Cremation Society of Joplin, MO. Bradley Stephen "Brad" Neely