Bryce Cameron Ash

Bryce Cameron Ash, age 24, son of Stephen and Karen Ash, was born January 8, 1994, in Joplin, Missouri. He passed away August 15, 2018, at Texas County Memorial Hospital, Houston, Missouri.

He passed along with the love of his life and mother of their child, Kalena Marie Freitas, of Houston, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by three grandparents, Norman McArthur of Tulsa, JaVerna (Ennis) McArthur of Joplin, and his grandmother and best friend Sandra Kay Ash of Joplin.

He is survived by his one son, Brylon Michael Ash; parents, Stephen and Karen Ash of Joplin, Missouri; two brothers, Tristan Ash and Bryce Lawless of Joplin, Missouri; a grandfather, Gary W. Ash; an aunt and uncle, Tony and Lisa Ash of Stockton, Missouri; and cousins, Trev and Tatum of Stockton, Missouri, along with other extended family.

Bryce grew up in Joplin and graduated from Joplin High School. Upon graduation, he signed with Missouri Valley College to play baseball and major in education and history to follow his dream of teaching and becoming a high school baseball coach.

Bryce and Kalena met at college when he was Kalena’s orientation group leader. Shortly thereafter, they began dating. They were engaged and had planned to be wed in September 2019.

Bryce and his family attended New Beginnings Baptist Church of Houston, Missouri.

He was attending school at Missouri State in West Plains and worked at Russell Cellular in Houston at the time of his passing.

Growing up and throughout life, Bryce was an avid lover of sports and competition. He played soccer, football, basketball, baseball and golf. Never known to have the most talent or the best physical gifts, he overcame that with heart, passion, and grit. On the diamond, he was known as a silky smooth defender that made the hardest plays look routine. He was a passionate follower of the St. Louis Cardinals, Oklahoma State Cowboys, and the Baltimore Ravens. He was just beginning to pass on the skills, passion, and love he had for sports to his son, Brylon.

Bryce was a lover of animals, as he and Kalena were Friends of the Zoo in Springfield, Missouri. They also had four animals of their own, two dogs and two cats. He will finally be reunited with his dog, Luigi, with whom he had an inseparable bond.

Bryce was a tremendous friend, a fierce competitor, the best brother, son, and most importantly a father. He has touched so many people’s lives and filled them with the best memories. He will be missed by all who loved him. RIP #1.

There will be two Celebrations of Life for friends and family of Bryce and Kalena, one in Houston, Missouri, on Tuesday, August 21, 2018, at New Beginnings Baptist Church. The second one will be in Joplin, Missouri, at Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, August 27, 2018.

Cremation was under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.