Donald Bradley

Donald R. Bradley, 79, of Wadsworth, Illinois passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2023 at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital.

Don was born on July 19, 1944 in Shawneetown, Illinois.  Upon graduating from high school he accepted a basketball scholarship to Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro, Kentucky.  At KWC he earned a bachelor’s degree in education, received their coveted Oak & Ivy award and was recognized among Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.  During his senior year, as a team captain, Don led the Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers basketball team to their first ever NCAA Division II National Championship in 1966.  

After graduation he spent six weeks in Africa, setting up good-will basketball clinics and games for the U.S. State Department.   Although pursued by the Baltimore Bullets and Goodyear Wingfoots to play semi-pro basketball, in 1966 he moved north to begin his career in education as a teacher at Woodland Junior High School.  He earned a master’s degree in educational organization from Roosevelt University in Chicago, and spent his entire 35-year career at Woodland School as a teacher, coach, principal, director of operations, and assistant superintendent.  While at Woodland he met the love of his life, Ruth.  They married on December 28, 1969 and were married for 53 years.

Throughout his life Don worked hard and took pride in his family.  He enjoyed fishing, camping, working in his yard, and attending the various events of his kids and grandkids.  He spent many years in retirement traveling the country in his motorhome with his wife, Ruth, and their dog, Dutchess. 

Don is survived by his wife Ruth, daughter Kim (Mike) Gilboe, son Eric (Abby) Bradley and four grandchildren; Aiden, Blake, Eli and Cal.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Rita Bradley of Shawneetown and his brother Charles Edward. 

Family, friends, and colleagues are invited to celebrate Don’s life on Saturday, October 7^th at Cornerstone Community Church, 40413 N. Delany Road, Wadsworth, IL 60083.  Visitation will begin at 4:00pm, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 5:00pm.