Eugene Bradley

Eugene Bradley

Eugene Bradley, 102, of Fort Dodge, died Monday, November 22, 2010 at the Marian Home.         

Genes personal request was to have his body donated to the University of Des Moines.

Eugene was born August 19, 1908, the son of Eugene H. and May Belle (Dewey) Bradley in Waterloo, Iowa.  Eugene moved to Riceville to live with his grandmother, Lauretta Bradley, following the death of his mother.  He received his education from Riceville High School.  While in Riceville, he began playing for the town band.  At the age of 15, he was asked to do a summer tour through the Midwest.  From that day forward, Genes love of entertaining and showbiz grew.  In the following years, his travels and talents allowed him to meet and get to know such entertainers as Bob Hope, Lawrence Welk, and numerous others including Karl King.

While he toured across the country, he met his wife Audrey.  The couple was married on stage in 1931 following a performance.  Audrey died in 1974 after 43 years of marriage. 

Eugene joined the United States Coast Guard in 1939 and shortly after began performing with the Navys West Coast Sound Training Squadron.  He was in charge of organizing and directing the dance band.  Gene was honorably discharged in 1945.  Following his service to our country, Gene had a band that mainly performed in Florida and a few other southern states.  He later found employment with the Jam Handy Agency out of Detroit.  His years in the entertainment business allowed him to do numerous training videos and commercials for such companies as Chevrolet, Nash, Dodge, and Lucky Strike.

Gene later performed with the Bee Trio in Stratford who consisted of Bea, Ed Spurling, and Gene.  He then played with the Rhythm Ramblers until the age of 96.  Gene was always an entertainer and had a great sense of humor and a very quick wit.

In the 1950s, the Bradleys moved back to Iowa where Gene managed the Belmond Theatre.  He then went to work for Brown and Bigelow as a sales agent for many years.

Eugene was a member of the Calvary Commandery No. 24, of the King Solomon Lodge No. 210, A.F. & A.M., Belmond; Delta Chapter No. 51, Royal Arch Masons of Iowa, Kings Council No. 47, Royal and Select Masters of Iowa; and Za-Ga-Zig Temple of Des Moines.  He was also the Eminent Commander No. 24 of the Knights Templar of Iowa.

Gene will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Bruce-Graham Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Bruce-Graham Funeral Home