January 27, 2016

Harold Allen Bradley Sr. was born June 8, 1934, in Calhoun, Mo., to Ralph Bradley and Frances Leona (Houston) Bradley. The eldest of three children, he attended school there and in Kansas City. After graduating from East High School, Harold pursued a BA in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Missouri.
A college friend arranged a blind date for him in the fall of 1955. His date, Phyllis Wiebe, was impressed with his blue eyes and convertible. Her college’s rule requiring a chaperone did not deter them and Phyllis said yes, which turned into “I do” in June 1956. The young newlyweds started their lives together in Pittsburgh, Pa., where Hal was employed by Westinghouse. They returned to Kansas City, working first at Westinghouse before moving to a job at Hallmark Cards. Hal and Phyllis also welcomed the birth of a daughter Kathleen Margaret and a son Harold Allen Jr.
Harold found an opportunity to work in aerospace, so the family moved to California in 1963. There Hal went to work for Rockwell International and another daughter Amy Leigh was added to the family. In 1974, Hal and Phyllis satisfied their entrepreneurial spirit by purchasing a small ice cream parlor and gift shop in Orange, Calif. The Pink Lady grew to become four stores: Fisherman’s Cove (Christian bookstore), Psaltery Music (Christian music) and Thoughtfulness Corner (a Gold Crown Hallmark store). The stores kept Hal, Phyllis and the family busy for 21 years.
Hal and Phyllis returned to Kansas in 1995 to follow Hal’s dream of having a farm like that of his grandfather. They found a lovely spot in Prescott, Kan., and started simply, living first in a grain bin and then in a fishing trailer while working to clear overgrown pasture and building sheds for equipment and livestock. The farm became a center for the family, especially for grandsons Kristapor and Shahan who spent many happy hours fishing, driving the equipment and enjoying long, golden summer visits.
Mounting health issues resulted in hospitalization in December 2015. Hal passed away peacefully on Jan. 12, 2016, with his grandsons holding his hands, surrounded by family.
Hal was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Bradley; his mother, Frances Leona (Houston) Bradley; brother Bob; and son Allen.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; sister Sharon Nelson and her husband, Dennis; daughters Kathleen Bradley-Najarian and husband, Viken; Amy Burdett and husband, Travis; and grandsons Kristapor Allen and Shahan Viken Najarian.
Memorial services were held Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, at the Prescott United Methodist Church. The family suggests contributions to the Prescott United Methodist Church Children’s Fund.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com. Arrangements: Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton Chapel.