Undaunted by injury, Branson Mayor returning home with unwavering determination to resume his duties

After months of intensive rehabilitation, Branson Mayor Larry Milton is returning to his home in Branson at the end of this month. In a recent video, he made it clear that, despite the physical challenges he has faced and will continue to face, he looks forward to his return in a couple of weeks, eager to resume his mayoral duties and engage with residents in person again.

The mayor’s journey began on July 4th when he fell, suffering a severe spinal cord injury. The fall left him paralyzed from the chest down. His immediate treatment required him to be transferred to Springfield for trauma care, including emergency surgery on his neck. Following this critical surgery, he spent 10 days in the neuro ICU in Springfield.

His rehabilitation program was intense and prolonged. He underwent intense spinal cord rehabilitation at The Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in Chicago, one of America’s top rehabilitation hospitals. For the past 12 weeks, he has continued his rehabilitation in Ankeny, Iowa.

He was thankful for the swift response of the community’s First Responders, the EMTs, and the Branson Fire and Police Departments, noting their quick action was critical. He also offered deep thanks for the overwhelming prayers, support and well wishes he received, which reminded him why he loves serving the community.

Even while away for treatment, he remained in constant contact with the city administrator, Cathy Stepp, and her team to help ensure that all city business continued as usual. He offered special acknowledgment to Mayor Pro Tem Clay Cooper, who stepped in seamlessly and “never missed a beat.”

He highlighted that the city’s progress has not slowed down one little bit. Pointing to ongoing milestones such as the upcoming grand opening of the police department’s new home, the completion of the downtown redevelopment project, the first neighborhood improvement project underway in Hiawatha Heights, and the 2026 City Budget.

As to his ability, desire and excitement to lead the city and serve as its mayor, Milton said, “Nothing is changed.” He is resolute in his conviction that his injury does not diminish his capacity to lead the city. He assures the public that, even though they will likely see him in a wheelchair and observe some physical limitations, there is absolutely no change in his vision for the city’s future or in his ability to help lead the city into that future.

On November 16, 2025, Mayor Milton said, “When I get home, the very first thing I want to do is thank the Lord, take a deep breath, visit with friends, and attend a board of aldermen meeting in person —it's right where I belong.”