Russell L. Bradley, 91, of Meredosia, died Monday, Feb. 7, 2011, at Jacksonville Convalescent Center.

He was born June 20, 1919, in Adams County, the son of Norman and Anna Agnus Armstrong Bradley. He married Anna Ellaree Buskirk on June 3, 1940, in Palmyra, Mo., and she preceded him in death on Jan. 18, 1997.

He is survived by five sons and two daughters, Donald (Donna) Bradley and Richard (Alberta) Bradley, both of Meredosia, Russell "Pete" (Marilyn) Bradley and Judith (Robert) Farmer, both of Jacksonville, Kenneth (Janet) Bradley of East Moline, Debra Myers (deceased husband, George) of Palmyra, Ill., and Mark Bradley of Meredosia; 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; two great-great-granddaughters; sister-in-law, Doris Yeakey of McLeansboro; and four half brothers. He was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Rick Bradley and Angela Staake; one great-granddaughter, Erica Dowson; six brothers, Ray, Robert, Virgil (surviving wife, Janey of Liberty) Norman Jr. and Raymond Bradley, and Thomas Armstrong (surviving wife, Mary of Macomb; four sisters, Dorothy Shank, Norma Cookson, Marjorie Allison and Ellen Cookson; four half brothers; and four half sisters.

Mr. Bradley was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Arenzville. He farmed many years and also worked for the Meredosia School system for 33 years as a bus driver and mechanic. He was a World War II veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Omar Bundy, a troop transport ship, from 1943-45. Russell was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Thursday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 3781 Honey Point Road, Arenzville, with burial at Oakland Cemetery in Meredosia. The family will meet friends 12-1 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Memorials are suggested to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Passages Hospice or Meredosia Rescue Squad. Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Meredosia is in charge of arrangements. The online memorial book may be viewed at www.buchanancody.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Jacksonville Journal-Courier on Feb. 8, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Russell Bradley

12 Entries

Cynthia Johnson

February 26, 2011

My deepest sympathy goes out to your entire family. Russell and Ellaree were like 2nd parents to me growing up. As a "country kid" riding the bus with Russell you always knew he was in control of things,you were safe, and if you needed help he was there for you. It was always fun to see him, my Dad (Daryle), Leonard, and my siblings playing pinochle at the holidays into the late hours of the night. He will be greatly missed but always in our hearts and memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this difficult time. Cynthia (Tegeder) Johnson, Versailles, Illinois

Andy Dowson

February 10, 2011

It was hard not to love Russ for the man he was. I've told my wife many times that I wish my boys were under the care of a competent bus driver that Russ was. He was the real deal and you always knew where you stood with him. He wasn't afraid to stop the bus to put things in order or to lend a hand to someone in need of help.
I think if there was one part of Russ that was imprinted on me over the years, it would have to be his work ethic. He was a man's man and did the job that needed to be done in a professional manner.
Russ will be sorely missed and my thoughts and sympathy go out to the family.

Tom Dowson II

February 9, 2011

My memories of Russ are good memories. Countless hours riding the school bus with him as the driver. If there is anything we could all benefit after learning of his passing is that somewhere a child is born today who's unique qualities will match that of his, the world needs more like him! Dignity & honesty comes to mind when reflecting upon the memories of that man. Somewhere in my mind is a memory bank reserved for those who's soul have earned a lasting memory spot. Russ is one of many of those who have passed in my lifetime who's soul has occupied one of those spots.

Doug Bradley

February 8, 2011

My grandpa was classic old school and was much loved. We appreciate the remarks that all of you have shared. Please keep the comments coming. Our family is enjoying reading them. Thanks.

David Tegeder

February 8, 2011

My deepest sympathy to all the Bradley family upon hearing that Russell passed away. Besides being our farm neighbor and school bus driver, most importantly Russell and his wonderful wife Ellaree were like my second parents growing up. Countless days and meals were spent together as Mark and I grew up and became best friends through our youth. More recently I always looked forward to trips back home over the holidays and playing pinochle together. I will forever remember his wit and ever present smile and take comfort knowing that he's now with his beloved wife and God.

Jeff Dowson

February 8, 2011

My brother and I were just talking about schools now compared to the day's of having Russ as a school bus driver. It wasn't nothing for him to have all the high school boys get off the bus to help push a vehicle out of a ditch due to snow. Today that would be unheard of. He had a heart of gold. Memories of him will stay with us throughout our lives.

Charlotte (Tegeder) Wildrick

February 8, 2011

We are so sad to hear of Russell's passing. For most of my youth, he was a neighbor, fellow church member, and school bus driver on our rural Meredosia route. He always marked the last day of school by personally buying each of "his" riders an ice cream cone at the Dosh Dairy D'Lite - how we looked forward to that treat! Later on, I got to know him as one terrific pinochle player and my husband and I looked forward to annual into-the-wee-hours card sessions on New Year's Eve with Leonard Staake, my folks and siblings when we came back for the Holidays. Russell was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed, even though we know he is with God and truly home. Our deepest sympathy to your entire family.

Mary Standley-Carlton

February 8, 2011

I am so very sorry for your loss. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Russ & Ellaree. I can't remember a time when your Dad did not have a smile on his face.

Marie Dawdy-Cooley

February 8, 2011

So sorry to hear of your loss. God be with you and your love ones.

Don & Kathie Hawkshaw

February 8, 2011

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Sue Carlson

February 8, 2011

They didn't come any better than my uncle Russell. I remember him as always having a smile, a sense of human, and a remark that made you smile too. Many will miss him, but I just imagine he's being surrounded by the Armstrong/Bradley clan even as we speak, all in a better place.

Donnie Whewell

February 7, 2011

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

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