Fred E. Bradley Sr., 85, of De Soto died Dec. 18, 2023, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson. He worked for 40 years in public education, beginning with the De Soto Public District. He was a sixth grade teacher, basketball coach, principal and superintendent. Later, he was an adjunct professor at Southeast Missouri State University and concluded his career as a professor and doctoral board member of the University of Missouri St. Louis College of Education. Born Sept. 12, 1938, in Bismarck, he was the son of the late Leslie “Sonny” and Mary Jane (McGeorge) Bradley.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Judith “Judy” (McClard) Bradley of De Soto; four children: Fred E. (Heather) Bradley Jr. of De Soto, Chad (Vanessa) Bradley of Hoschton, Ga., Stephanie (Chad) Morlan of De Soto and Laura (Greg) DeRousse of De Soto; five grandchildren: Kristin, Sydney, Jeremiah, Samuel and Emma; eight great-grandchildren; and a sibling: Max (Brenda) Bradley of West Plains.
He was preceded in death by three brothers: Sid (Alice) Bradley, Bill (Doris) Bradley and Frank (Cyndy survives) Bradley.
A private family service was held. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery in De Soto. Memorials may be made to De Soto MO Pac. Arrangements were under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home in De Soto.