Pete Bradley

Russell Gerald “Pete” Bradley, 72, of Jacksonville, died Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016, at his home.

He was born April 23, 1943, in Quincy, the son of Russell L. and Anna Ellaree Buskirk Bradley. He married Marilyn Heitbrink on July 29, 1962, at Trinity Lutheran Church near Meredosia and she survives.

He is also survived by two daughters, Sherri (Patrick) Ruyle of Winchester and Lori (John) Wood of Englewood, CO; four grandchildren, Caleb Ruyle (fiancée Breana Lovell) of Springfield, Kendall Ruyle (fiancée Katie Haschemeyer) of Winchester, and Elisabeth Wood and Ethan Wood, both of Englewood, CO; one great-granddaughter, Sadie Mae Ruyle; and two brothers and one sister, Richard Bradley of Meredosia, and Kenneth (Janet) Bradley and Judith (Robert) Farmer, both of Jacksonville. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Donald Bradley (surviving wife Donna of Meredosia) and Mark Bradley; and one sister, Debra Myers.

Mr. Bradley was a 1961 graduate of Meredosia-Chambersburg High School. He retired from National Starch in Meredosia, and was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Jacksonville. In his spare time, Pete enjoyed working in his garden, traveling, and fishing and golfing with his friends and grandchildren. He never missed a St. Louis Cardinals game or Fighting Illini basketball game and was always happy to discuss the outcome (and on occasion criticize them if he felt they needed it!) with whomever wanted to listen. His greatest love, however, was his grandchildren and he loved watching them play sports, especially baseball. He rarely missed an opportunity to see them play, traveling as far as Arizona, Florida, Colorado, and Hawaii to be their biggest fan. He was a proud supporter of Routt and Our Saviour athletics and was often seen sitting in his favorite spot right near home plate during Routt baseball games. One of the happiest memories of his life was watching the 2008 Routt Rockets win the Class 1A state baseball championship, a memory that always brought a smile to his face.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Meredosia, with burial at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery near Meredosia. The family will meet friends 9:30-11 a.m. prior to the service. Memorials are suggested to the Meredosia Rescue Squad or to the Routt High School Baseball Team. Condolences may be left at www.buchanancody.com.