Harold Garner Bradley

Harold Garner Bradley was born on July 17, 1924, in Elmore City, Oklahoma to Ira and Zelaner Shaw Bradley. He ended his journey with us on September 15, 2023, at the age of 99. Harold married Kathleen Irene Cobble in March of 1944. They were married 58 years. Harold and his wife made a home in Pauls Valley from 1948 to 1997.She preceded him in death on December 15, 2002. Harold lost a son, Phillip Harold Bradley, on April 29, 1979. Also, preceding Harold in death were his parents, 2 brothers (Billy and Toby Bradley), and a sister, Ilena Cagle. After graduating in 1942, Mr. Bradley served his country during World War II. He was drafted into the Army in February of 1943. He was assigned to a new tank battalion that was being formed at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The tank battalion was named the 740th. Harold was the last known living Combat tank commander left of the 740th Battalion. The 740th tank Battalion was called to combat in December of 1944. His unit fought in the Battle of the Bulge, as well, as other battles such as the Rhineland, Ardennes and central Europe. His combat decorations include, Silver Star, Purple Heart, Battalion Presidential Unit Citation with one Oak leaf cluster, three battle stars, the Belgium Fourragere and the good conduct medal. In 2020, Mr. Bradley received one of France’s highest military awards, the Legion of Honor. Harold was wounded in the EAME Theater on April 16, 1945, but continued to fight until the war was over. He was discharged in December of 1945. If you would like to hear more about his time in WWII, you can go to YouTube and search for these links: 1. A Day with Harold Bradley-WWII Veteran. 2. Harold Bradley-740th Tank Battalion. 3. Harold Bradley and Larka Dilbeck Interview. 4. WWII Veteran Harold Bradley “Protectors Portal” (Podcast) After returning to the states, Harold was baptized in 1946 at the First Christian Church in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma and he has been a member for 63 years even though he moved in 1997 to live with his daughter and son-in-law In League City, TX. Harold and Kathleen moved because they needed to be close to Kathleen’s doctors, but doing so gave them more time to spend with the family. He was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge, a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star and served as a Worthy Patron and Associate Patron and he is still a member of the American Legion in Pauls Valley until 2024. Harold worked 37 years for the Pauls Valley Daily Democrat as a reporter, editor and photographer. He believed that the there was too much negativity in the news world each day, so he decided to go to the high school when he could to find the time and seek out the positive stories, take photos and share them with the community. Every student knew him as Mr. B. and loved him. He retired in July of 1986 so he could take care of Kathleen who was suffering with RA. He walked every day all the way to Wacker Park and back to stay healthy for Kathleen. He, also, decided he needed a hobby and discovered a love for wood working projects. He started making wooden decorations for each holiday. He was so proud that he received a top prize for his Christmas ornament display in Pauls Valley. He even continued in Texas in his daughter and son-in-law’s front yard. The neighborhood, especially the kids, loved them and looked forward every year to seeing his wonderful Christmas decorations. Mr. Bradley is survived by a daughter Connie and husband Mike Goodwin, League City, TX; Four Grandchildren, Erik and wife Rebecca Bradley, Tulsa, OK,; Ryan and wife Rayna Bradley, Fedor, TX.; Amy and husband Cliff O’Banion, Farmington, NM.; Phillip and wife Lauren Goodwin, Cypress, Tx. Harold had 9 great grandchildren. Colson “CJ” Bradley, Trenton Bradley, Charles Bradley, Jess Bradley, Reagan Bradley, Jordyn O’Banion, Erin Sanborn, Carter Goodwin, and Connor Goodwin. There will be 2 services held for our beloved Harold Bradley, the first service will be held on Sunday, October 22 at 6:00 p.m. in the Harold Bradley Memorial Park (the park that was named in his honor) in League City Texas. He has requested that we take him home to be placed next to his wife in Pauls Valley. The memorial will be held at the Wooster Funeral Home in Pauls Valley, OK and that will be held on Veterans Day, November 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. A visitation with the family will be held prior to the service at 9:00 a.m. A private family inurnment of ashes will follow the services.

Harold Garner Bradley

July 17, 1924 - September 15, 2023