Lawrence T. Bradley Jr.

Lawrence “Larry” Thurman Bradley Jr. or “Butch,” left his earthly home to join the Lord Dec. 30, 2025, after complications from COPD, kidney disease and pneumonia. Larry was born March 14, 1946, to his loving parents Lawrence T. Bradley Sr. and Lois Lucille (Blakesley) Bradley in Iowa City and spent his youth growing up in different homes in the state of Iowa, with one short journey to a home out on the west coast.

Larry graduated from Lenox High School in 1964 and attended Creston Community College and then Peru State University until Uncle Sam called him for duty. He served his country in the United States Army from 1968-1970 and was sent to the Vietnam War. When he returned, he finished his education at Peru.

He was employed at the State of Iowa in the employment division for over 30 years. Larry retired in 2004 and then spent many hours and years taking care of his elderly parents.

Larry collected newspaper clippings of all the news about the Bradley and Blakesley families for many years, keeping track of births, marriages and deaths in both families. He could recall most of the information from memory. He was also quite a history buff and a photographer and was willing to share his knowledge with others.

In October 2024, his brother helped move him to Montana so that he was closer to family. He had his own apartment until his illnesses required full-time medical care.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; sister Carol McFee; infant brother John and numerous uncles, aunts and cousins.

He is survived by his brother, Ed (Linda) Bradley; nephews, Gary (Marie) Bradley and Rob (Jeanette) McFee; nieces: Jo (Darrin) Nauman, Jarita Heidebrink and Toni (Chad) Kissee; along with numerous great-nieces, great-nephews and many cousins.

Services with Military Honors are pending and will be provided to family and friends at a later date. Creel Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements. Larry’s family and friends can share memories and condolences at www.creelfuneralhome.com.