Eddie Lee Bradley

Eddie Lee Bradley, 78, of Raymore Mo. passed away following a brief illness in the extraordinary care of the VA Medical Center of Kansas City on February 4th, 2017. Eddie was born January 17th, 1939, in Springfield Mo. the son of Roy Bradley and Helen Bench. Eddie was raised in Galloway Mo. attending Rogersville schools where he excelled at vocational agriculture, a talent that served him as a hobby throughout his entire life.

Following graduation Eddie enlisted in the United States Navy, attended basic training at the Great Lakes training center where he focused his education as a diesel mechanic. Eddie went on to be stationed at the Naval Station Newport Rhode Island and proudly served on the USS Caloosahatchee AO-98 where he was elevated to the rank of Petty Officer as a mechanic and later the head engineer. Eddie traveled the world aboard his beloved ship until he was honorably discharged in 1962.

Following his years in the Navy, Eddie found his calling in the gas and petroleum industry where he served as manager for different propane companies throughout south-central Missouri and eastern Kansas. It was during this time that he met his dance partner through life, his beloved wife, Betty Darlene Bradley. Eddie and Darlene married in April 3, 1966 and would spend 34 incredible years together until her untimely passing in 2000. Eddie did his best to fill his days after retirement through employment with the Earl May CO, and the Raymore Peculiar School District which lead to his passion for helping children. While working at Shull Elementary School, Eddie was asked to complete mentor training because he had a natural ability to help those in need. Eddie later would volunteer his time with the youth group at Red Bridge UMC where he had a natural rapport with the youth and create a very tight bond with many of the kids.

Eddie leaves behind to carry on his legacy of love and kindness, his beloved son, Kevin Bradley of Raymore MO, two sisters that he so adored, Judy Crisp of Springfield MO. and Joyce (Mel) Hunt of Electric City WA., adopted family, Bill and Stacy Johnson of Raymore MO, and the grandchildren that he doted on so much, Dean, Tristan and Madison.

Eddie was a husband to woman that he longed for every day that they were apart. He was a father that loved his son and all those "adopted" with a depth of passion most could not understand. He was the proudest Papa to countless kids. He was a brother with deep love for his family. He was a Navy man that never got the salt out of his lungs. He was a career gas man with knowledge and ability and was proud of his trade. He was all these things and so much more. We will miss you more then you know, until we meet again. God speed Dad, Papa, Eddie.

Services will be held at Red Bridge United Methodist Church, 636 E. 117th, Kansas City, Mo, 64131. Visitation at 5pm and a Celebration of Life at 6pm. The family has requested that there be no flowers, please make donations to the Red Bridge UMC Pastor’s Assistance Fund or to the Disabled American Veterans.

Arrangements under the direction of Mt Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.