Don was born 14 September 1940, in Diamond, MO, to Roy and Lois Bradley. When Don was three, Lois married Robert "Vic" Bradley (Don's biological uncle) who raised Don as his own son. Don or "Donald Dean" or "Dean" as he was called by most of his family, friends, and classmates graduated Diamond High School in 1958, where he was active in several sports and was President of the Diamond Chapter of the Future Farmers of America.
He married JoAnn Jeans (deceased) in 1958, and the two ran a family farm business until 1978. In 1961, Don was awarded the prestigious American Farmer Degree by the National FFA Chapter. Don was very active in the Diamond community. He was a member of the First Christian Church, coached youth baseball, served on the School Board, and acted as a chaperone for school dances, FFA trips, and other school related activities.
In 1979, Don relocated to Bay City, TX, where he worked for several construction companies and at times was self-employed. In 1983, Don married Wynona "Dodie" Claybourn and the two eventually settled at their current residence in West Columbia, TX.
Don was preceded in death by brothers, Doyle Bradley and Leon Bradley and sisters, Mildred Pierce and Neva Greathouse.
Don is survived by his wife, Dodie Bradley, West Columbia, TX; sons, Robert Bradley (Lisa), of Lubbock, TX, and Bill Bradley (DeDra), of Paradise, MT; stepsons Jody Claybourn, of Bay City, TX, Lane Claybourn (Christine), of Mesquite, TX, and Mike Claybourn (Diana), of Clute, TX; 20 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.
Don had many passions, but plain old hard work may have been at the top of the list. No one worked harder than Don. After long hours at the farm, ranch, or construction jobs, you would find Don building projects for his church, working on the baseball field, or helping friends in need of a strong back. Only after his health began to fail did you catch him sitting down.
He enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren participate in sports. Don was extremely active in church related activities and spent much of his retirement years volunteering and helping out at the Wild Peach Community Church. He always planted a large vegetable garden and enjoyed giving away the produce he grew.
However, Don's favorite hobby was his love of cattle ranching. Even well into his retirement, Don was involved in cow/calf operations whether it was on his own or in partnership with sons and grandsons.
Don was loved and respected by countless people. He seldom had an unkind word to say regardless of how hard you tried to get him riled up. He was honest, kind, and would give you the shirt off his back if you were in need. Physically, Don was a big man, but his heart and soul were even larger. He generously opened his home to family members who needed a place to stay during difficult times. Family and friends were what mattered most to Don. People who knew Don always commented on his friendly, outgoing attitude, humor, and how genuine he was. He was always happy, and he loved to joke with and tease people; in fact, the more he picked on you and 'aggravated' you, the more he liked you.
Don led two lives - the first 40 years as a farmer in Diamond, MO, and the last 40 in West Columbia, TX. We were fortunate to have him in both places. His family and friends will miss the "ole Missouri farm boy."
Services will be scheduled for a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial contribution (in the name of Don Bradley) to either: WPCC Children's Church, P.O. Box 1621, Brazoria, TX 77422 or a Future Farmers of America chapter at your preferred high school.
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