David Nokes Jr. was born on March 20, 1961, and passed peacefully on March 29, 2026. He was a dedicated and loving husband to his wife, Beverly, and a devoted father to his daughter, Tarah. David dedicated his life to serving and protecting his community, beginning his career as a police officer with the Cassville, Missouri Police Department and spending 23 years with the Springfield Police Department, retiring as a Major. Even after retirement, his commitment to public service continued as Chief of Police for the Springfield-Branson National Airport and later as a correctional officer. David truly lived to serve, protect, and better his community, earning deep respect both at work and at home for his love, gentle spirit, wisdom, and wonderful sense of humor.

Outside of his professional life, David was a passionate and accomplished athlete. He found great joy in cycling, running, and swimming, proudly completing an Ironman-distance triathlon and placing second in his division. He was an integral part of the endurance sports community, always encouraging others to pursue their goals. David especially loved group rides and time spent outdoors, particularly at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. His love for the sport and its community was evident in his work at Fleet Feet in Springfield, Missouri, where he helped people find the perfect running and walking shoes to support their journeys.

David was a strong man of faith and a good and faithful servant of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In lieu of flowers, our family asks that donations be made to the Nokes Cemetery Memorial Fund via GoFundMe, in honor of David’s wish to beautify and preserve his family’s historic cemetery. Right now, there is no assigned caretaker for this small family cemetery, and it is in need of beautification and repair. David cared greatly about his lineage and wanted to make this cemetery a peaceful place for reflection and a spot to honor law enforcement with a memorial bench. It would honor him and his legacy to take care of his family cemetery. We would feel grateful, loved, and filled with joy to see his dream for this space realized. Contributions will support improvements such as a memorial bench dedicated to law enforcement, a new fence and gate, and ongoing landscaping and upkeep.

Thank you for helping us honor David’s memory and ensure his dream for the cemetery is realized.

There will be a Celebration of Life honoring my dad, David Nokes Jr., on Wednesday April 8th from 3pm - 5pm at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield. The celebration will be held at the picnic pavilion area located just inside the parks gates. It will be a come and go format. The park has requested we ask to carpool when possible because parking is limited.

We welcome all to come and share in the celebration of my dad's life -  well-lived and well-loved.