Daniel Bradley, 68, passed away peacefully just after midnight Monday, Oct. 1, 2012.
He was born May 22, 1944, to Lois and Daniel Bradley Sr. in Champaign, Ill. He attended Mahomet High School and then University of Illinois. He relocated to south-central Indiana where he was an admired and dedicated teacher for many years. Later in life, his compassion was appreciated by many as a committed and caring orderly at Bloomington Hospital. He lived a life dedicated to helping, teaching and caring for others and sharing his generosity whenever possible.
Dan had a passion for croquet and inspired many to appreciate the game, He created a website at www.mysticcroquet.com to blog with others about the game and hosted many games at his home in Brown County. He was very proud of his father’s, great-grandfather’s and great-great-great-grandfather’s service in the military. This sparked an avid interest in war and battle memorabilia and studies, with a special main interest in the Civil War. His great-grandfather served as a colonel in the Civil War who fought in many famous battles including the battles of Shiloh, Magnolia and Raymond. He was one of the original founders of the town of Champaign and was buried with military honors. His great-great-great-grandfather served in the Revolutionary War as a quartermaster in the American Army. His father served in WWll as a major sergeant in the 106th Cavalry in central Europe and was awarded the Bronze Star and the Croix de Guerre. All of these military ancestors were also named Daniel Bradley, and Dan was very honored to carry their name.
Dan is survived by his son, Morgan Bradley; daughter-in-law, Michelle Bradley; his sister, Catherine Faust; and many friends and loved ones.
Daniel spent his final days surrounded by family and friends and always inspired those around him with his determination to make the most of his life and the positive outlook he was able to keep in the face of his illness. He always kept a smile on his face, a happy disposition, a playful mood and an inspirational attitude with which he touched the hearts of strangers and friends alike. He will be deeply missed and his memory cherished by all who knew or met him.