Donald Bradley
Obituary
Edward Donald Bradley (Don), born May 18, 1946, passed from this life on July 13, 2016. He was 70. He was preceded in death by his Mother, Ruth Bradley, Step Dad Charlie Bradley, Father Harvey Bradley, Step Mother Edith Bradley, and brothers Bill Acord, Ernest Pennington, and Elmer Pennington.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years Dolores Bradley. Son, Scott Bradley. Two step-sons Jess Barnes of Stillwater, wife Tami, daughter Hadlee (4), sons Gage (16) and Noah (19). Eric Barnes of Tulsa, wife Susan, daughters Emily (18) and Ashley (16). And one sister, Lucile Garner of Owasso. Also his Uncle Ernest Ennis, and many cousins in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Tennessee.
Don was born near Hot Springs, Arkansas and spent his early life there with his large family. Fishing and hunting were at the center of their activities, and Don remained an avid outdoorsman for his entire life. He spent time hunting and fishing with family and friends regularly, and enjoyed spending time at the Ennis family deer camp in Southcentral Arkansas.
At 16, Don moved to Jenks where he graduated from high school in 1965. After high school, he graduated from Okmulgee Tech as a technician in auto body repair. He was one of the best at the craft through the mid-90’s. In 1971, Don went to work for the Jenks Police Department and had a great career there, retiring in 2001 as assistant Chief. During that time, he was a certified armorer and served as a CLEET firearms instructor where he was known for his marksmanship. Don could throw a tennis ball in the air and shoot it twice before it hit the ground, with a handgun. After retirement, Don worked as a security officer from the Smart Car on the River Parks trails.
Personally, Don was known for his great, albeit ornery, sense of humor, and his incredibly generous spirit. Around Christmas or a birthday, you had to be careful about mentioning something you thought was neat, because it was sure to end up in a wrapped box. He loved to help others and was particularly gifted at finding a solution to fix what others thought couldn’t be fixed.
Don loved Dolores. And he loved Scott, Eric and Jess. There was no “step” distinction in the way he loved and cared for the boys. Don loved kids; the grandkids and nieces and cousins who knew him as PaPaw, Grandpa or Uncle Don, lit up his face like nothing else.
In 2001, Don made the decision to give his life to Christ. Today, he is healed and with his Savior. We mourn, but more importantly we celebrate his life and give thanks for his role in ours.
Services will be held Monday, July 18, 2PM at New Springs Family Church in Jenks.
Donations in Don’s honor can be made to the American Heart Association:
https://donatenow.heart.org
Events
Tributes & Memories
We are so very sorry to hear of Don's passing. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Robin Reed
Think you for your service Rest in peace
Eric Bilby
it makes me so sad to hear of Don's passing. Dee, God bless you and all the family. it was a joy to know Don from high school on and keep track of him and Dee all these years. I appreciate all of Don's positive contributions to this life. Fran Kaufman
Frances Taluc Kaufman
Dee, I send this to you with a heavy heart, as a hero of mine has left this earth and gone to heaven. Don was always such a big person. Bigger than his size. When I would bring my son, Marvin, to your home, you and Don were always so cordial and warm even though Marvin was just a youngster. When I first met Don I had 16 years in law enforcement, but I was immediately drawn to him as I knew I was out classed and listened to him every time I got to ride with him. My world is smaller and I send my deepest condolences. If I can help you or your family in any way, please just call me. Mel Knight & family 918-298-0252
Melvin T. Knight
As the local game warden, Don always enjoyed teasing me about the 'not-so-legal' antics of his and family's outings in Arkansas. When I'd finally fein concern for a possible game law violation...he'd almost pose like a turkey at full strut and with his wry grin, point out for me the 'statute of limitations' or my lack of Arkansas jurisdiction! Don was a consummate professional who could do his job correcting errant behavior of others while making them believe they'd just made a new best friend.
Carlos Gomez
Prayers of peace and comfort to the Bradley Family at this difficult time. I will always remember when I would see Don someplace, his warm words of wisdom and encouragement. He will be missed, as there are very few that are still around cut from the same cloth. With the same dedication, and respect in which he always gave all who he came in contact with. Such as myself, and others I know who knew him also. Rest in Peace, Sir.
Brian Dahl
My heart is in pieces I had the opportunity to meet Don many years ago While he worked for the police department. My thoughts go out to his family .
Kendra Butrico
My prayers and condolences to Don's Family. I have many wonderful memories of Don in High school.
Mary Berry Bonnell
For the family and friends of Don – I pray for you the peace that passes all understanding, for the strength from God to endure the grief and rejoice , that one day all will be together again Have faith in heart and head during this difficult time that God will carry you through Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mu husband Billy Conn worked with Don as a jailer for 6 years Billy has many stories about Don and just how ornery sense of humor May God bless you and keep you near his comforting heart
Karen Dodds-Ellis-Conn
Peace and prayers to your family. He touched a lot of lives and influenced a lot of people in such a positive way through living his life so well. God bless.
Margaret Hindes
What can be said? You were the ultimate Peace Officer. Rough and tough on the exterior, but once a person got below the exterior, you were as kind hearted as they come!! Don, you made a great impression on everyone you crossed paths with, certainly me. You will be missed my friend.
Rhonda Ishmael
Rest in peace my Brother in arms.
Rick Ishmael