Joseph Bradford "Brad" Nelson of Springfield, Missouri passed away on October 12, 2018 at the age of 62. Brad was preceded in death by Ed and Ruby Nelson of Kansas City, MO.

Brad leaves his sister Sheri of Branson, Mo and his brother Greg, sister-in-law Brenda, and nephews Noah and Quinn of Ozark, MO.

Brad graduated from Park Hill High School in Kansas City, MO where he was active in theater, starring in local Bell Road Barn Productions and voted "Wittiest" his senior year. Brad graduated SMSU in 1979 with a B.F.A. and moved to New York City to pursue an acting career. Brad later found his niche in stand-up comedy, using Kansas City as his home base. He spent several years traveling the U.S. doing what he loved. Highlights in his career included his appearance on Comedy on the Road on A&E network, performing at MENSA conferences and headlining in several KC venues.

Brad was loyal and generous in his friendships, compassionate and introspective, known for his keen intelligence and innovative wit.

In recent years, Brad loved watching his nephews play high school basketball in SW Missouri. His latest creative pursuits were taking guitar lessons and testing his vocal chops, singing at local open mic nights in Springfield.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Park University Chapel in Parkville MO at 2pm on Sunday, November 11th.  Later that same evening a wake event/concert will begin at 6pm at the Westport Flea Market, in Kansas City Mo.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Center for Being Known at give@thecbk.org .