Lester Eugene Bradley

Lester Eugene Bradley, 78, better known to friends and family as "Buster" or "Coach" suddenly, yet peacefully passed away on February 10th, 2017 at his home in Mesa, Arizona. Leaving behind his loving wife of 56 years, Mary Sue Bradley. Buster was extremely loving and proud of his two daughters Tracy Lynn Bradley Weaver and Christy Lea Bradley; his one and only grand-daughter, Brittany Nicole Martin; and his son-in-law, David Weaver Jr. He is also survived by Mark Heitkamp and Brandon Kuecker, and many other dear family and friends from around the country. Originally from Cushing, Oklahoma, son of Lester Royal Bradley and Loie Fisher Bradley, and younger brother of Marvin Bradley, Buster played on the Cushing Football Team, and this past September was inducted into their Hall of Fame. Those four years served him well building character, skills, and dedication to the game of football and life. He was recruited by many universities, but was fortunate to sign with the University of Oklahoma with a full athletic scholarship. His years at OU were special because their 47 straight winning record still stands among the top tier NCAA rankings of today. He was part of two Orange Bowls, made many friends and graduated in 1961. His first teaching position was at Cushing High School, coaching the junior high football and wrestling teams and teaching social studies. Two years later, Buster left Oklahoma with his wife, to teach and coach in Arizona, an adventure they thought would be short lived; however, it turned into a life changing experience. Buster received his MAEd from Arizona State University, and spent the next 30 years at Mesa High School coaching football, teaching social studies and P.E., retiring in 1992. He fondly remembers the passion and commitment of the Mesa High spirit. During his retirement, he spent many wonderful times hunting, fishing and riding ATVs around Arizona with family and friends. He and Sue made a second and third home up in Forest Lakes, and Tonto Basin, Arizona, where they enjoyed many outdoor activities, gaining and enjoying new friends. He was lucky to be able to soak in the wonders of America and many parts of the world as he traveled with his wife. We would like everyone to remember the amazing, gruff, yet caring and loyal man Buster was and still is, because if you knew him, he is still a part of your life. He would want everyone to "Carry On" knowing that he truly relished his dear friends and family. The Bradley family will receive friends on February 25th at 10:00 AM, with a Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 AM, followed by a fellowship lunch at Chandler Methodist Church, located at 450 E Chandler Heights Rd. in Chandler, Arizona, 85249 crossroads of Arizona Avenue. and Chandler Heights In honor of Buster, please wear OU Red or Mesa High Purple if possible. In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation in his name to The 2nd Amendment Foundation, ASU Foundation, or Mesa High Athletics.