Thurman Bradley

Thurman was born in Knox Indiana to Ellis and Helen (Stacy) Bradley. Within a couple of years they had another child, Joyce. Sadly their mother Helen passed away c.1946. He was raised by his father and his stepmother Juanita (Minix) who together had four other children. He graduated from North Judson High school in 1959 and married his childhood and forever love Dorothy Rose Fletcher in 1961. Thurman is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dorothy Bradley. Daughters Chandra (Albert) Royce of Chesterton and Corinne (Rodney) Ingle of Beaufort, SC He was always very proud of his grandchildren: Devin Royce and Olivia (Aaron) Harris, Jeremy (Crystal) Hays, Savannah (Jonathan) Vance and Morgan Hays. Great-grandchildren are Rodney Hays, Sophia Vance and Elijah Vance. He was preceded in death by his sisters Joyce Kirkham and CarolynSue Trusty, and brother Homer. He is survived by sister Catherine (Don) Okeley and brother Bob (Debra) Bradley, both of Knox IN. For over 30 years Thurman worked at the Bethlehem Steel Corporation at the Burns Harbor Indiana plant and was a proud member of the USW local 6787. He was ever grateful to be able to give his family a good life and so was a diligent and responsible worker. He was even able to travel to Japan with other employees to be trained for the new Hot Dip Coating Line where he was the very first Operator. In 1998 Thurman retired and he and Dorothy moved to Flat Rock (near Hendersonville) NC where they spent 20+ very happy years in retirement in the beautiful Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina, near Corinne and her family. He was very active in the Four Seasons Senior Softball league, competing in the State Championship Games several years. He loved to anyone who would listen, “It’s another beautiful day in North Carolina!” In 2019 they moved back to Chesterton, Indiana and were able to spend lots of time with Chandra, Albert, and other family members. He loved the CUBBIES and became a huge fan of Purdue for his granddaughter’s husband who was a graduate. He became a big fan of Vanderbilt University Baseball and would text Corinne when there was a game on TV. He was a very enthusiastic person when he learned a good thing! He could be annoying about telling everyone to eat less sugar, get some regular exercise and save their money. But you could never argue with his advice! As an optimistic person who often said things always work out for the best, he was making plans for things he wanted to do in the future, right up to his final day. His last day was just an average, good day. And we are so thankful to God for that. His family is so appreciative of every single person who works at the Residences of Coffee Creek in Chesterton. Dad loved each and every person who he came into contact with there. The people there loved him, too, and became friends. Heartfelt appreciation goes to every employee, MA, RN, NP and MD at Woodland Cancer center in Michigan City who always treated him well and extended compassionate and human kindness with a positive outlook. Special thanks go to Dr. Naina Mahngar who guided us through a situation we never wanted to find ourselves in. Visitation will be 10 AM Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at the O'Donnell Funeral Home, Inc. with funeral services following at 12 Noon at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Round Lake Cemetery.

Thurman Bradley

October 18, 1942 - January 20, 2023