Claude Bradley Jr, affectionately known as Sonny, of Rochester, passed away peacefully passed away in his home of 36 years on Friday September 22, 2023 surrounded by family.
He was born on November 16, 1943 in Je?ersonville, Indiana, the son of Claude and Laura (Gambill) Bradley Sr. On July 25, 1968, he married Cheryl L. Lindgren. Together they spent 29 years raising their family and enjoying life before Cheryl passed away on October 12, 1997. Following years of laughter and adventure, he married Vickie (Voorhees) Rudd on October 29, 2022. Vickie stood by his side until he breathed his last breath.
A 48-year member, Sonny Joined the Millwright union 1076 (Formerly Local 1043) on June 23, 1975. He spent his retirement years owning and operating his own lawn mower repair business and continued to work on them in his garage for many years. There wasn’t much that Sonny couldn’t fix! He was a proud veteran having served his time in the United States Army. He was a member of the Eagles Lodge, Veteran of Foreign Wars Post, as well as the American Legion Post 36 in Rochester, Indiana. Through his many years of service with the American Legion, Sonny held the offices of Historian, Commander, Finance Officer, and First Vice Commander. In his spare time, he enjoyed tinkering in his garage (especially when he was teaching things to his grandsons), going to casinos, and camping. Sonny became an ordained minister in 2017 to officiate his grandson’s wedding and continued providing matrimonial services until as recently as one month ago. Sonny was a cherished father and devoted grandfather, adored by his family. While he may have left this Earth, you will find a piece of him in each of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Sonny leaves behind his treasured family including his wife, Vickie Bradley, Rochester, Indiana, children, Melanie (Bernie) Green, Tuckerman, Arkansas, Todd Bradley( companion Laurie), Rochester, Indiana, Kevin Bradley (companion Beth), Gary, Indiana, Lori (James) Cunningham, DeMotte, Indiana, Brian Bradley, Merrillville, Indiana, Tim Bradley (companion Rhonda), Rochester, Indiana, Tami (Craig) Spurlock, Key West, Florida, step-children, Kim Meadows (Companion Greg), Rochester, Indiana, Jason (Bobbi) Meadows, Crawfordsville, Indiana, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, siblings, Paul (Donna) Bradley, Winamac, Indiana, Floyd (Tickie) Bradley (Companion Tammy), Lake Village, Indiana, sister, Davi Rawlins, Monument, Colorado, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Joey Bradley, great- grandchildren Khristian and Maleigh Bradley, parents, sisters, Rosalee Pawlosky, Betsy Porras, Nellie Jo Martin, and brother, George Keesee.
Visitation will be from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Friday September 29, 2023, at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, Indiana.
The Fulton County Veterans Honor Guard will perform military rites after visitation at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com
