Alan Bradley

1939 - 2026

Alan Haley Bradley of Plainwell, passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the age of 86. Alan was born on May 6, 1939, in Bay City, MI. Known as AH to his birth family he was the son of Edward Wendell, "Deke" and Maryan (Watrous) Bradley. Alan lived one day at a time with an appetite for varied experiences in relation to his internal life, his family and his investment in friends and community.
Raised in Midland Alan graduated from Midland High School with the Class of 1957. His family were well known and operated the Bradley Funeral Home where a young AH received working and life experience before furthering his education at Michigan State University. It was during this pivotal time that he met the love of his life, Barbara Jackson. Their paths crossed at a dance mixer in the first week of
Barbara's freshman year at MSU, a meeting that grew into a relationship and marriage on April 28, 1962. Together, they built a life filled with love and memories and they kept dancing at weddings and family events for sixty three years. Their connection was strong and notable.
During his college years, Alan took a step away from academics to serve his country honorably in the United States Marine Corps. This service was a point of pride for him and instilled in him values that would inform his style and approach throughout life. Upon returning from the military, he completed his education at Michigan State University, worked throughout the Midwest, and with Barb found their forever home in Plainwell, Michigan in 1973 which served as the backdrop for many significant chapters of his life.
Alan dedicated over 25 years of his career to Parker Hannifin, where he became Director of Purchasing. His professional journey mirrored the dedication and integrity with which he approached every aspect of his life.
Outside of work Alan's interests were varied keeping him in motion physically and mentally. Al was an avid downhill and cross country skier. Gifted with a naturally rich baritone voice which he partnered with playing the guitar (and at times
simultaneously with the harmonica) he facilitated shared music/singing with the family in the evenings. Alan found joy on the golf course and being up to date with the latest in the tech and computing worlds. Additionally he was a dedicated member of Plainwell First United Methodist Church, where he actively participated in various committees, work trips and contributed to the spiritual well-being of his community.
Alan's character was defined by qualities recognized deeply by his family: he was honest, loyal, fun loving, and had a flair for sharing life fully and largely. His spirit resonates in the lives he touched, and he was a friend of Bill W. known for his commitment to long time recovery (50+ years).
Alan leaves behind a legacy that will not soon be forgotten. Alan Haley Bradley is survived by his love, Barbara, with whom he shared a lifetime of adventures large and small and special moments within their intertwined hearts. His memory and lessons will be remembered by the circle of those who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara; four children: Kathleen (Dan) McGlynn of Battle Creek; Eric Alan (partner: Jaime Alberto Canizares) Bradley of New York, NY; Maura (partner: Daniel Kennedy) Bradley of Livonia; Dirk (Danielle Seabold) Bradley of Kalamazoo; and ten grandchildren:
Maura, Shane, Chris, Brendan & Grace McGlynn; Samuel (Jessica), Kellan & Siri Landefeld; and McKenna & Desmond Bradley. He is also survived by his two sisters: Karen Hamp of White Lake; Becky Wardell of Gibraltar; one brother: Charlie Bradley of CA and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents Edward "Deke" and Maryan Bradley and one brother Deke Bradley.
The family will receive friends at the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home and Cremation Society at 120 South Woodhams in Plainwell on Friday from 6 to 8pm.
Al's Celebration of Life will take place at the Plainwell First United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 7th at 11am.
Please visit www.amsfuneralhomes.com to take time to sign Al's guestbook and share your favorite memory with his family.