Derek Edward Bradley, 31, formerly of Knob Noster, Missouri, died Nov. 4.
Memorial services are set for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, at Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home, and the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Derek was born on July 17, 1987, in Kokomo, Indiana, the middle son of Vernon Edward Bradley Jr. and Shenandoah Shawn (Tomlinson) Bradley. He graduated from Knob Noster High School in the class of 2006. He then joined the United States Air Force in April 2007 and worked in security forces. He later earned his bachelor’s degree in project management.
He liked to keep in shape by running, working out and wrestling with his kids. He also enjoyed listening to music, especially modern rock. He had a magnetic personality – family, friends and complete strangers were drawn to him. He saw the goodness in everyone he met. He always had a smile on his face, and he was at his happiest when he was around those he loved, whether it was at a family gathering, watching a sports game or just hanging out with friends. Despite being miles apart over the years, Derek and his two brothers remained very close, and they were always able to pick up right where they last left off.
The role that Derek was proudest of in his 31 short years on this earth was the title of “Dad.” He was a loving father to his three sons: Ayden Edward, 7; Carter James, 4; and Jack Wayne, 1.
Derek is survived by his three sons, Ayden, Carter, and Jack; father, Vernon Bradley Jr. of Toledo, Ohio; mother, Shenandoah Shawn Bradley, of Knob Noster; brother, Jerrod Wayne Bradley of St. Charles, Missouri; Dylan James Bradley (wife, Brittany) and their two children, Ellie and Ethan, of Knob Noster; paternal grandmother, Nancy Ireland, of Dover, Delaware; maternal grandmother, Maxine Tomlinson, of Decatur, Illinois; cousins, Chaz Myers and Rachel King, both of Middletown, Maryland; aunts and uncles: Mary Ann Cooper, of Peoria, Illinois; Frannie Herbert (husband, Jack), of Macon, Illinois; Ellen Burns (husband, Berneil), of Macon; Kathy Wilson, of Dover, Delaware; Brenda Sullivan, of Dover; Kenny Bradley, of Smyrna, Delaware; and Becky Johnson, of Dover; beloved canine companion, a boxer mix named Kira; and many extended family and innumerable friends.
He was preceded in death by maternal grandfather, Wayne Francis Tomlinson; paternal grandfather, Vernon Edward Bradley Sr.; aunt, Rosa Angela Tomlinson Myers (whom he lovingly called “Rosie”); and aunt, Cindy Neimeyer.
Derek was passionate about the importance of family and helping others in need, especially children. In his honor, please consider making a contribution to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City. Checks may be left in care of the funeral home.