Our dear friend, son, and father, Chad Wayne Eaves, “The Ice Man” (46), of Springfield, MO, passed away tragically in Bolivar, MO, on November 26, 2025.
Chad Eaves was born in Columbia, MO, to Paulet and Dwight Eaves on November 16, 1979. His early years were spent growing up in Macon, MO, where he met his lifelong friend, Adam Maples. In his early teen years, he moved to Branson, MO, with his parents and two siblings, Brandon Livingston and Brenda Coffelt. There, he attended Branson High School, where he played football and various other sports all four years.
A few years after high school, he lost his father and was united with three siblings: Michelle Hockaday (St. Joseph, MO), John Fagan (St. Joseph, MO), and Modeste Ewing (Macon, MO). He worked multiple jobs and became a father to his firstborn son, Christian Eaves, on July 4, 2000. Later, he met Lisa (Fullmer) Eaves, whom he would marry and join the Marine Corps with in 2007. He served seven honorable years in the Marine Corps as a 4421- Legal Specialist until 2013. During that time, he had a daughter, Allison Eaves, born on September 12, 2009, and a son, Jericho Eaves, born on May 25, 2012. Many years later, he and Lisa divorced, but remained best friends and co-parents to their two young children. This year, he became a grandfather to Stella Eaves, daughter of Christian Eaves and Charity McKinely. He absolutely adored her.
After the Marine Corps, he continued to work hard for his family. Chad loved spending time with his children, and his favorite way to do so was to watch shows and movies with them and create experiences that would last a lifetime. He also caredfor two cats, Mr. Handsome and Mortisha, whom he loved dearly. He created a special bond through wrestling with his oldest son, Christian, and his best friends, Ken Martin and Justin Krauss, who became his brothers.
Chad loved many things, but above all, Chad was a devoted follower of Christ Jesus, living his life as a good and faithful man whose love for the Lord guided his actions and relationships. He loved many other things, such as sports, wrestling, camping, being outdoors, music, and movies. His favorite football teams were the Dallas Cowboys and the Denver Broncos; his favorite basketball team was the LA Lakers; his favorite baseball team was the STL Cardinals; and his favorite hockey team was the STL Blues. He loved camping so much that he made sure to take his kids tent camping every year.
He is preceded in death by his father, Dewight Wayne Eaves; grandparents, Byron and Marianna Eaves; and grandparents,Elwin and Marilyn Danner. His children survive him: Christian Eaves (25) and infant granddaughter Stella Eaves of Springfield, MO; two children, Allison (16) and Jericho Eaves (13) of Phillipsburg, MO; his mother, Paulet Danner of Hollister, MO; three sisters and two brothers, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Please join us on December 27, 2025, to celebrate his amazing life and share the great things we love and remember about him. This is a celebration, so let’s party like he’s there with us; that’s what he wanted.
We are asking for donations in lieu of flowers to help fund his service, final expenses, and to support his children in this difficult time.
