Michael Lee Bruce

Michael “Mike” Lee Bruce, 76, departed this life after a lengthy illness on May 16, 2026, at his home outside Nevada, Mo.

Mike was born July 19, 1949, in Nevada, the son of Chester Lee and Nola Maxine (Johnston) Bruce. He graduated from Walker High School in 1967 and School of the Ozarks in 1971. He married Connie Lee Zimmerman on May 23, 1970, in Weaubleau, Mo.

Together, they had three children, Michael “Micky” Lee Bruce, Jr., David Lee Bruce and Melinda “Mindy” Lee Bruce.

Mike grew up helping his dad on the family farm outside of Walker, Mo. He loved farm life and always wanted to raise his family on a farm, which he did.

After graduating college from School of the Ozarks, Mike worked at Mark Twain School District teaching seventh and eighth grade and served as principal. From there, he and Connie moved to Walker where Mike taught sixth grade and served as elementary principal. Mike continued to teach and serve as principal for nine years and began farming part-time. His years teaching were some of his favorite.

In late 1979, Mike accepted a job at Fram where he was an engineer until 1981 when his dad passed away. It was at that time, Mike began farming full-time. In addition, Mike served on the Walker School Board for a number of years and later on the Board of Directors for FCS Financial from 2002-2017.

Mike loved raising cattle, taking great care of his animals and took pride in the quality of his herd. He could often look at a cow and tell you about her, her mother and her calves. His cattle were tame and known to often come running when he entered the pasture. No matter the weather, Mike was always out making sure his cattle were well cared for and fed. In later years when his kids were grown, he taught his dog, Bandit, to help with cattle.

Through the farm, he taught his family many life lessons including compassion, responsibility, independence, respect, resiliency, patience, work ethic and adaptability. By a young age, the three kids were helping with everything from driving tractor, working cattle, raising crops, working on machinery, fixing fence and whatever else was needed on the farm.

Mike put many miles on his four-wheelers and Gators over the years, checking cattle and riding around on the back roads, often with Connie, his kids or grandkids. In his later years, one of his favorite things to do was explore back roads with the love of his life, Connie. It was also on the back roads where you could often find him picking a bouquet of wildflowers he’d take home to his wife.

His kids, grandkids and great grandkids were his pride and joy. He loved getting the family together for dinners, birthdays and holidays. His family was his priority.

When his family thinks of him, they think of the fun he brought, how he always made them feel safe and how he could turn almost any activity into an opportunity to learn. Mike was always joking and could

turn even a trip to Sam’s Club into a fun adventure. Mike was also one of the best storytellers. His family loved gathering around the dining room table to hear stories of his early days. It was also around the dining room table that Mike taught his kids and grandkids about debating and the importance of research and facts. These debates were always in love and learning.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Connie; his children Micky (Amy) Bruce, of Nevada, David (Michelle) Bruce, of Nevada, and Mindy (David) Honey, of Nixa, Mo.; grandchildren Kelly (Chris) Reddick, of Nevada, Taylor (Eric) Reagan, of Nevada, Wyatt Honey, of Springfield, Mo., Emma (Bryce) Eaton, of Richards, Mo., Zech Honey, of Nixa, Johnnie Bruce, of Nevada, Mikey Bruce, of Nevada; and great-grandchildren Delilah Reddick, Millie Reagan, Lincoln Reddick, and Mallorie Reagan; and many friends and relatives.

At Mike’s request, no services are planned. A private family gathering will be held at a later date to celebrate Mike and his legacy. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice.

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