Bruno Rafael Batista Neves

Bruno Rafael Batista Neves, 34, of Republic, passed away Dec. 26, 2021. Neves was born July 18, 1987, in Londrina, Brazil to Nelson and Lourdes (Batista) Neves.
He graduated from high school in Brazil and then came to the United States to play college basketball. He played at NEO and College of the Ozarks where he graduated with a business degree. While attending College of the Ozarks, he met the love of his life, Madison Culpepper. They were married on Oct. 15, 2011, and they were blessed with their daughter, Ella Beth, in 2021.
Bruno loved cooking, Formula 1 racing and being around good company. Being 6’9, he had to duck under most door frames.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, and his mother.
Neves is survived by his loving wife of 10 years, Madison; daughter Ella Beth Neves; father Nelson Antonio Das Neves; in-laws, John and Donna Culpepper, Jacob, Luke and Laura Culpepper; several aunts, uncles and cousins, extended family and friends..
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up for his daughter at Mid-Missouri Bank.
A visitation was 3-6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022 at North Point Church, W. Norton Road, Springfield. Funeral services will be private.