September 17, 2024

Linn County News

Published September 18, 2024

Harold Lee Brady, age 97, died at Olathe Medical Center’s Hospice House, Olathe, Kan., on Sept. 3, 2024.

Harold was born on March 25, 1927, in an oil lease house near La Cygne, Kan., to Sylvia Myrtle (Townsend) Brady and Stama Lafayette Brady, Sr. Harold attended grade schools at Stanton and Lone Elm, both near Paola, Kan. He attended his freshman year of high school at Osawatomie, and then transferred to Parker High School where he graduated in 1946. Harold spent his military career as a 660 Topographical Engineer in Panama during the Korean War. After serving his country, he returned to Paola and worked for D. T. Shoemaker as an oil and gas driller.

Harold married Virginia Schwein on June 28, 1952, in Huntsville, Ark. Their daughter, Rachelle Irene Brady, was born on Feb. 9, 1954. Harold and Virginia raised Rachelle in Paola. Five years after working for D. T. Shoemaker, Harold started his own oil and gas company, Brady Drilling. He successfully operated his drilling company and also owned production. After Virginia’s death, Harold renewed an old friendship with Hazel Light Smiley which led to their marriage on Feb. 17, 1979, in Baldwin, Kan. They enjoyed traveling the world and spent their winters in the Sarasota/Bradenton area of Florida. After Hazel’s death, Harold continued spending his winters in Florida where he enjoyed sailing and golfing. He also enjoyed spending mornings with his coffee group in Paola and their camaraderie. Harold remained very active in his later years continuing to do the things he enjoyed such as yard work and traveling. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents Sylvia and Stama Brady, Sr.; wife Virginia; wife Hazel; daughter Rachelle; sisters Ruth Pevler and Mildred Dysart; brother Stama (June) Brady, Jr.; and nephew Frankie Butler. He is survived by nephew Larry Pevler; niece Thelma Little; nephew David Butler; nephew Greg Butler; nephew Stan Brady; niece Renea Hammett; nephew Jerry Trageser; niece Cheryl Trageser; and special friend Nona Stevens.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, beginning at 10 a.m. A memorial service will follow the visitation beginning at 11 a.m. Inurnment in Miami Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Olathe Health Charitable Foundation - Hospice House or the East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging - Meals on Wheels (checks may be made to ECKAAA - Meals on Wheels) both in care of Dengel and Son Mortuary-Paola Chapel 305 N. Pearl St. Paola, Kan. 66071.