Robert Bruce “Boxcar” McAnelly, age 69, of Glasgow, Missouri, passed away on December 25, 2025, in Columbia, Missouri.
Bruce was born July 7, 1956, in Torrance, California, to Robert “Bob” N. McAnelly and Shirley S. (Oden) McAnelly. Soon after being born, the family moved to New Jersey for a couple of years before moving back to Bob and Shirley’s hometown of Centerville, Iowa. On the family farm, Bruce enjoyed horseback riding on his favorite childhood horse, “Buckeye” and raised livestock for showing with 4-H at the county level and Iowa State fairs.
Bruce graduated from Centerville High School in Centerville, Iowa in 1975, where he was a standout athlete in football, wrestling and track and field. In 1979, Bruce earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Missouri, where he was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity. While at Valley, he continued his success on the football field, a four year starter at nose guard that included four straight HAAC Conference Championships and culminated in the NAIA National Championship semi-finals his senior year. He was inducted into the Centerville High School Hall of Fame and Missouri Valley College Hall of Fame for football, both individually and as a member of the 1978 Missouri Valley College football team.
Bruce married the love of his life, Sallee, on June 18, 1977, in Kearney, Missouri, after meeting on a blind date on June 18, 1976. During their early years together, Bruce balanced his education and football commitments while they began building their family. After his graduation, they spent time living in Lebanon, Missouri, and Centerville, Iowa, before returning to the Marshall, Missouri area.
For many years, they lived in what the family affectionately called “The Little House” outside Arrow Rock, Missouri, where Bruce and his family helped manage a horse farm for close family friends, Dr. and Mrs. John Lawrence. In 1989, Bruce and Sallee purchased a small farm and early 1800s home in Glasgow, Missouri, from the Lawrences, which has been their long-time family home for over 35 years, and was Bruce’s most favorite place on earth.
Bruce had a lifelong passion for classic cars, especially late-1960s and early-1970s Mopars, starting with one of his first muscle cars, a 1969 Plymouth Road Runner. He loved being outdoors, particularly cutting firewood and deer hunting on his farm with his sons and close friends. Later in life, he surprised even himself by developing a love for travel, enjoying trips to places like Texas, Utah, New York City, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and across the United Kingdom to England, Wales, and Scotland.
Bruce worked for more than 30 years in the precast/prestressed concrete industry, beginning while still in college with Quinn Concrete in Marshall, Missouri, where he was a member of Laborers’ Union Local 663. His expertise in patching and repairing architectural concrete panels took him throughout the Midwest, putting the final touches on buildings large and small. While traveling or on vacations after retirement, Bruce never lost his eye for architectural detail; and often shared his knowledge of concrete, marble, and granite while pointing out the flaws or imperfections he would have corrected. In retirement, Bruce owned and operated his own masonry and tuckpointing business and also restored and sold classic tractors with his oldest son,
a hobby he learned from his dad, Uncle Kendal “Benny” Oden and mastered with his good friend Carl Black.
To his children, he was indestructible. Real life Superman. A steady presence they knew would always be there when it mattered most. His love was unconditional and unwavering, not just through words but through action. When something truly mattered, he stepped forward without hesitation. He didn’t make a show of it; he simply handled what needed to be done. His confidence was quiet and knowing he was there brought a deep sense of security to those who loved him.
He loved his family unconditionally, giving of himself freely and without expectation. He was generous in both word and deed, and he put the needs of those he loved before his own, often without anyone ever noticing. A quiet man of faith, his belief in God and family above all else defined him.
Bruce’s loyalty, humor, and steady presence left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He was, simply put, good at it, whatever “it” happened to be.
He is survived by his wife, Sallee S. McAnelly; his children: Britt C. McAnelly, Robert J. “Joe” McAnelly (Emily), and Benjamin H. McAnelly (Shelby); his grandchildren: Justin W. Miller (Tayler), Madison G. McAnelly, Jameson C. McAnelly, and Kiernan C. McAnelly; as well as great-grandchildren: Rylee, Ruger, and River Miller. He is also survived by his brother, Douglas N. McAnelly (Barbara), and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
A Celebration of Bruce’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, January 9, 2026, at Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home in Marshall with William W. Harlow officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. the same day at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family has suggested the memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now) or Missouri Valley College Football Team, 500 E. College, Marshall, MO 65340 (https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form/?svcid=renxt&formId=8049b14f-dae2-4c80-a461-726f17c2b595&envid=p-sP27NcHyWUO-jPq1aSS2SQ&zone=usa). You may also leave your donation with Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home in Marshall. An online guestbook is available at www.campbell-lewis.com
Source: KMZU, The Farm
