Theodore "Ted" Augustine Bradley

Theodore “Ted” Augustine Bradley, 90, lifelong resident of La Junta, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2018. He was born to Frances and Augustine Bradley in Halstead, Kansas, on March 14, 1927. He graduated from La Junta High School in 1945 and joined the United States Navy with classmates. After basic training, he was stationed in Guam. Upon his return to La Junta, he began his civil service career in 1946 which lasted for over half a century. He served as a rural mail carrier, delivering mail to generations of residents of Otero County. He received national recognition for perfect driving and attendance records.

Ted was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He married Sue Kirkpatrick in 1954, and they had two daughters. His second marriage was to Lorraine Bradley in 1978 through which he gained four step-children. He genuinely enjoyed spending time with all of his children and grandchildren. Ted travelled extensively throughout Colorado, the US and abroad, accompanied by Lorraine and various family members. On every trip, he would always run into someone who was from La Junta or had a connection to his beloved hometown. He collected Native American artifacts, including kachina dolls and Santa Fe calendars. He was a doting son and cared for his mother up until her death at the age of 102.

Ted was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe parish, the Knights of Columbus, and the VFW. He was also instrumental in the many reunions of his high school graduating class. He was a generous community volunteer, regularly visiting nursing home residents, providing transportation for those in need and delivering Meals on Wheels.

His survivors include his daughter Elizabeth “Beth” (Jasper) Powell, step-daughters Twyla Pickering and Eldarae Braddon, sons-in-law Paul Duran and Greg Ronning, grandchildren Crystal (Seth) Karnes, Chanelle Duran, Chaylea Duran, Tanda (Tom) McCombe, Tricia (Jeff) Lindsey, Nena Pickering-Williams, Cade (Michelle) Pickering, Jestina (Brian) Fraser, Chelsea Stone, and Elana Bundy, 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Sister Ruth Ellen Bradley, Mary Lou Wallace, LaVergne Reale, and Margaret Ann Bradley, wife Lorraine, daughter Jane Duran, step-son Russell Bundy, step-daughter Darla Ronning, and grandson Johnny Russell Pickering.

Ted’s final act of service was the donation of his body to the State Anatomical Board for the purpose of education and study at CU Medical School.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 9:30 followed by a Memorial Mass at 10:00 a.m. both services at Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish with Father Henry Wertin officiating.

The family would like to thank the La Junta Nursing Care Center, Arkansas Valley Hospice, Sharmar Village, and Suncrest Hospice for their care of Ted.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Arkansas Valley Hospice, Po Box 408, La Junta, CO 81050 or a charity of your choice direct or through the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.