the braxon gough foundation
forever missed. never forgotten.
about the foundation
Though Braxon was taken from this world far too soon in a tragic car accident in February 2026, his giving spirit and unwavering generosity will never be lost. We have established The Braxon Gough Foundation to honor his memory, celebrate the life he lived, and carry his giving spirit forward.The foundation will focus on charitable programs that represent pieces of Braxon that we get to give back to the world. Every child who steps onto a baseball field. Every child who gets to smile with confidence. Every student who gets the opportunity to pursue a career helping others.Every person who travels a safer road. Each one will carry a little piece of Braxon’s legacy forward.His fruits—his kindness, his achievements, and his profound loyalty—will continue to nourish the hearts of everyone he touched.We will continue to do our very best to live like BG, and we would be honored if you would join us.Braxon was, and always will be, the best of us. ❤️
memorial scholarship
Supporting graduating seniors at Joplin High School pursuing futures in the medical or dental fields.
helping children smile
Partnering with a local orthodontist to help children who may not otherwise be able to afford braces or necessary orthodontic treatment.
Youth baseball
Helping young athletes with registration fees and equipment while supporting the maintenance and improvement of baseball facilities.
roadway safety
Advocating for safer roads and greater awareness of roadway and traffic-sign safety, including properly maintained and visible signs and other measures that can help protect our communities.
annual softball tournament
Annual tournament bringing together the community to raise funds to support all foundation initiatives
memorial scholarship
The Braxon Gough Foundation × Joplin High SchoolThis scholarship was created in loving memory of a young man whose life embodied joy, kindness, and an unmatched devotion to his family and friends.Braxon was the definition of extraordinary—a bright, talented, and determined heart who inspired everyone to strive for their best.
A dedicated brother of Lambda Chi Alpha at Pittsburg State University, Braxon was actively pursuing his path toward becoming a Doctor of Dental Medicine. Alongside his academic ambition was a lifelong passion for baseball, a sport that perfectly mirrored his character and dedication.
To honor his legacy, this award supports students who share his drive to serve others and make a lasting difference.
helping children smile
with LaFerla wilson orthodontics
The Braxon Gough Foundation × LaFerla Wilson OrthodonticsBraxon had a passion for dentistry and orthodontics, making this partnership especially meaningful to the Braxon Gough Foundation and LaFerla Wilson Orthodontics.Together, we hope to help make orthodontic care more accessible for children and families who may face financial barriers to treatment. Through this partnership, the Braxon Gough Foundation and LaFerla Wilson Orthodontics will work together to provide support toward orthodontic care and create opportunities for children in our community to receive the treatment they need.This partnership is about so much more than braces. It is about confidence, kindness, and giving a child another reason to smile. Most importantly, it is an opportunity to honor Braxon by connecting something he was passionate about with a way to continue helping others.Every smile touched through this partnership is another way Braxon’s giving spirit and legacy can continue to make a difference
youth baseball
The Braxon Gough Foundation × Joplin Little LeagueBaseball was one of the great loves of Braxon’s life. He started playing at just four years old and that’s where his love for the game began. For the next 14 years, he played on what seemed like every field across the Four-State Area, from his early days with Joplin Little League at Sunny Jim Park all the way through his senior year at Joplin High School.To know Braxon, was to know baseball. He had a lifelong love for the game- both on the field and as a dedicated Kansas City Royals fan. Whether he was playing alongside teammates, spending time with coaches who made a lasting impact, or cheering on the Kansas City Royals, the game was a constant throughout his life. Some of his closest friendships and cherished memories were made through baseball. During his freshman year at Joplin High School, Braxon gained the nickname “BG,” and it stuck ever since. In 2025, his years of playing came full circle when the Joplin High School varsity baseball team became Class 6 District 6 champions—a title JHS had not earned in 16 years!Partnering with Joplin Little League gives The Braxon Gough Foundation the chance to give back to the place where his love for baseball began. Our goal is to help with registration fees and equipment for young players, while giving back to the fields and facilities where the next generation will make their own memories.Sunny Jim Park also holds a special connection to Braxon’s family. His Grandpa Bobby “Poppy” Gough helped maintain Sunny Jim for years, lending a helping hand to care for the fields where so many kids grew up playing the game. Through The Braxon Gough Foundation, we hope to continue that helping hand and carry that tradition forward.In the future, we also hope to host a youth baseball tournament in Braxon’s name and bring kids, families, and our community together around a game that meant so much to him.Braxon had a heart for helping others, and we can think of no better way to honor that part of him than by helping more kids have the chance to play the game he loved.Through each of these efforts, we hope to make a difference in the lives of young people while honoring Braxon and all that he stood for—giving others the opportunity to carry his spirit forward and Live Like BG.
roadway safety
The Braxon Gough Foundation is committed to promoting safer roadways in our communities through awareness, education, and advocacy. We hope to support proper signage, road markings, and other important safety measures while encouraging people to recognize and report potential roadway hazards.As this part of our mission continues to grow, we hope to develop future efforts that turn that commitment into action and help make the roads in our communities safer for everyone.
annual softball tournament
Join us for the 1st Annual Braxon Gough Memorial Softball Tournament, benefiting The Braxon Gough Foundation and hosted by his brothers at Lambda Chi Alpha.Date: Saturday September 26
Time: begins at 9am
Location: Landreth Park, Joplin MoWe are still accepting teams that want to play and vendors for our event including food trucks or pop up tents! Teams can be men, women, older teens or a combination. Deadline for sponsorship entry and is September 14 and deadline for team entry September 18. We will also have a 50/50 raffle, t shirts, and bracelets at the event if you would like to help support our mission in helping others thru our foundation.We are looking forward to our community coming together for a great cause and in memory of a very deserving young man.LIVE LIKE BG ❤️Please contact Stacey Stotts 417-529-9612 or Henry Chrisman 316-650-5496 for more information!