John Evans Bradley, age 69, of Temple, TX, passed away on February 14, 2024 in Austin, Texas with his daughter by his side.

John was born to Travis and Marion (Crossman) Bradley on June 17, 1954, in Saratoga Springs, New York. He grew up in a blended family with half-sisters Edith and Donalette Card, his older brother William and little sister JoAnn. He learned essential skills of life from his involvement in Boy Scouts of America. With his father being a Scout Leader, they lived life by the Boy Scout Law. “A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.” In high school, he was active on the football and wrestling teams. He graduated from Saratoga Springs High School in 1972. He also attended The State University of New York in Delhi, New York in 1973. Through his mother’s Crossman family lineage, John is a cousin to a defender of the Alamo, Robert Crossman (1810-1836).

He served in the Army from 1974 through 1977 and worked with the computer system as a Personnel Records Specialist at Fort Hood, Tx. After his term of service, he remained in Texas and worked for the City of Belton and Flanigan Construction (Smetana Construction) of Temple, TX. In 2000, John opened his own mechanic business called Auto Air/Bradley Radiator, located in Temple, TX.

His daughter Julie A. (Bradley) Daigle was born at Fort Hood, TX on August 25th, 1976. He treasured his time being a Dad and celebrated every milestone event in her life. He was a steadfast support to her and was always just a phone call away. He instilled confidence in her that she could be proud of her accomplishments and continue to work toward her dreams. The prideful Bradley-family thrifty ingenuity lives on through his daughter and grandchildren.

Along with being a dedicated father and hard worker, he was outdoorsy and enjoyed fishing and camping, a handyman that built his own home, a mechanic that could keep the oldest trucks running, a helpful neighbor that could do any job and a collector of guns, knives, tools and coins.

John faced trouble head-on with his own stubborn strength. He underwent treatment for cancer in 2016 and was injured in a construction accident in 2022 that left his left arm amputated. He went through all the treatments and rehabilitation, always declaring “Don’t worry about me, I’m alright.” He was proud to fend for himself and was even able to drive his old truck down to San Antonio regularly for family visits despite his medical setbacks.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his infant brother Marshal Bradley, and his half-sister Edith (Card) Brown. John also mourned the loss of a child under his care, William J. Giddens (1984-2003).

He is survived by his daughter, Julie (Bradley) Daigle and three grandchildren, Ryan, Sarah and Emily Daigle all of San Antonio, TX, his sister JoAnn (Bradley) Drumm of Southhold, NY, his brother William Bradley of Corinth, NY and his half-sister Donalette (Card) Appel of Rock Hill, NY.

A graveside service with military honors will be held on Saturday, March 16 at 1:00 pm at Moffat Cemetery, 13956 TX-36, Moody, TX 76557. A repast dinner will be held on Saturday, March 16 from 3:00-5:00 pm at the VFW POST 1820, 3302 Airport Rd, Temple, TX. Friends and family are welcome to attend. You may RSVP from the links below.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations on John Bradley’s EVER LOVED memorial website. Donations will go to the Brennan High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Course (JROTC). John's grandson, Ryan Bradley Daigle is active in the Brennan High School JROTC and has earned the position of Upper Flight Commander as a Technical Sergeant. John was so proud of his grandkids and especially proud to see his grandson in uniform.

John’s Memorial Webpage for RSVPs & Donations:    https://everloved.com/life-of…

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