Capt. Gus Steele Bradley Jr., 87, broke camp for the last time, August 10, 2019. A lifelong Baytonian, Gus was a 1949 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gus S. Bradley Sr. and Mabel Symns Bradley, brother E. W. Bradley, and sister Betty Jane Malone. He is survived by his wife Emma Bauer Bradley of 66 years. Their 67th wedding anniversary would have been on September 12 of this year. Also surviving are his four children Cheryl Bradley Roeschen and spouse Tom, Paula Bradley, Barbara Bradley Mounce and spouse David, and Gus S. Bradley III. He is also survived by his grandchildren Michael Roeschen, Sarah Roeschen Jones and spouse Brian, Capt. Jacob Roeschen and spouse Stacy, Daniel Mounce, and Ana Mounce. He has one great grandchild Madison Rose Jones.
Gus was a life-long equestrian. He and his horse Patches won honors at the Highlands Jamboree Parade and participated in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Parade. He was a member of the Trinity Valley Trail Riders Association and took part in many trail rides. Gus and Emma were avid square dancers and members of the Bayshore Wagon Wheels for many years, where he served as president for several of those years. They participated in many clubs in the Houston area and other states.
Gus was a gifted artist. Many of his charcoal and watercolor drawings adorn the homes of his children and friends. Western themes were his specialty, with horses being his focus. He attended art classes at Lee College where he honed his skill.
Gus retired from ExxonMobil after 33 years of service and was a union steward until being promoted to supervisor. After retirement, he enjoyed being cast as a movie extra in several movies including: Challenger, Robocop, and Tin Cup.
Gus was very proud of his National Guard service which he started October 1947. He was assigned to Company E 143rd Infantry Division. He ended his service as commander of the Baytown Unit. He trained both at Fort Hood, Texas and Fort Benning, Georgia. During the training he served as a Rifle Platoon Leader, Weapon Platoon Leader, XO, and Infantry Unit Commander. He achieved an Honorable Discharge in November 1966. At the time of his discharge he had attained the rank of Captain.
