Marion Fraley Bradley

Marion Fraley Bradley, (Brad) 84, graduated into glory on September 9, 2005, in hospice care at Rush-Copley Hospital in Aurora, IL. Besides meeting his dear Savior face to face, he was met in glory by his beloved wife, Dorothy Deaton Bradley the love of his life, formerly of Marion, IL; and his dear parents Judge Lloyd M. Bradley and Mary F. Bradley., of Carbondale, IL. His brother-in-law, Bill Brown, former assistant athletic director of SIU, and his sister-in-law, June Brown, both of Carbondale also preceded him into glory. Brad was born in Carbondale IL. on January 6,1921. He graduated high school from Western Military Academy in Alton, IL., and then attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. When duty called, Brad proudly served in Morocco, North Africa under General Patton. After awarded the Purple Heart for being wounded in action and later discharged from service, he attended the University of Illinois, where he studied law. His career in the insurance industry transferred him and his family from Carbondale to several other cities around the state. During that time, his love of golf was consistently cultivated, as well as his love for the B.P.O.E. He was a longtime member of Jackson Country Club, and was delighted to retire to Carbondale, from the Chicago area, where he had a second career working for the City of Carbondale for many years. Whenever his children and grandchildren came home to Southern Illinois for a visit, you could find him on Crab Orchard Lake, skiing with them or being captain of the boat. He was a faithful servant of the Lord at the First Presbyterian Church of Carbondale for many years as a trustee, and more recently as a member of the First Christian Church of Carbondale. He spent much of his time in recent years, visiting friends and relatives in nursing homes to lift their spirits and let them know they were not forgotten. He also enjoyed his many golf buddies out at Jackson, and always looked forward to their trek to Kentucky Lake each September for their annual golf outing. More recently this trip has also included his Son, Mark Bradley, of Aurora, IL., and his two sons-in-law, Rick Theobald, of Tallahassee, FL, and Mike Benham, of Kansas City. Afternoons would find him at the ELKS in Carbondale enjoying a friendly game of pinochle with his friends. He shared a tremendous love of big band music, with his brother-in-law, Bill Brown. Their close relationship began in college and grew stronger through the years, as they spent great times together on the golf course, at the lake, at the bridge table, or listening to that great music from the 30s and 40s. Brads legacy lives on through his three loving children, Melissa Benham, Mark S. Bradley, and Barbara Theobald . He also has five wonderful grandchildren: Meredith Benham, Michael Benham, Kathryn (Bradley) Foster and (husband Brad Foster), Erin Lee Theobald and Jordan Theobald, of whom he is tremendously proud. He has been most recently blessed with two precious great-grandchildren: Jack Bradley and Addison Foster. He is also survived by his only nephew, G. Michael Brown, of Carbondale, and a very special Aunt Chloe Dungey of Marion, IL., and her daughter, Patty Parker and family. A Service Celebrating Brads life will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2006 at 2:00 P.M. at the First Christian Church in Carbondale with Rev. Katherine Graves officiating. A private graveside service will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion. Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion is handling the arrangements for the family. The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to the First Christian Church of Carbondale. Envelopes will be available at Mitchell-Hughes or may be mailed to the funeral home at 800 North Market Street, Marion, IL 62959. Dad, you are temporarily gone from sight, and you leave a tremendous void in our hearts. But we anxiously anticipate a great homecoming one day and a joyful reunion for us all.