RICHARD C. BRADLEY

1928-2018

The morning of Saturday, December 8th, 2018, Richard Clayton Bradley, loving husband and cherished father of 5 children, passed away at the age of 90.

Richard was born May 11th, 1928 in Ponca City, Oklahoma to Giles Inman and Vannie Belle (Alexander) Bradley.

Richard graduated from Horace Mann High School, Alva, OK in 1946 and began attending Northwestern Oklahoma State University to pursue an engineering degree. In 1948, Richard began employent at Amerada Oil Company and soon married Betty May Goebel February 18th, 1949. Richard and Betty raised 5 children together.

During his work at Amerada Hess, his love of learning was ever-present. He was a natural and patient teacher and relished imparting his knowledge to others. Richard was a mentor to many. He was a member of the Southwest Geophysical Society and of the Geophysical Society of Houston. Richard retired from Amerada Hess after 44 years as a Sr. Consultant Geophysicist.

Richard coached baseball, loved to bowl, and enjoyed his music. He didn’t hesitate to learn new skills and in his mid fifties, taught himself all about personal computers (new technology at the time). Richard had a great sense of humor - he would undoubtedly get a joke in on you when visiting, and he delighted reading the newspaper ‘funny pages’. After retirement he learned lathe woodturning and enjoyed crafting many beautiful pieces when he wasn’t reading a book.

Richard’s family and friends will remember his contagious smile, kind and welcoming nature, and sharp mind. He loved many things in life, but loved and cherished his wife and family most of all.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Giles and Vannie Bradley, sister Lorraine Victory, daughter Kelly Alison Bradley, son Lloyd Douglas Bradley, sister-in-law Nettie Britt, and brother-inlaw Billy Goebel.

Richard is survived by his wife Betty of 69 years, daughter Karen LaValley and her husband Dr. Terry LaValley, of Arvada, Colorado, son Jeffrey Bradley and his wife Anne of Boise, Idaho, daughter Kristin Thompson of Houston, grandchildren Chase LaValley and his wife Lillian, Dr. Clayton LaValley and his wife Dr. Adina Bodolan, Isabel Thompson, and Emma Thompson, great grandchildren Troy LaValley and Leo LaValley, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Star of Hope.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, December 15th with visitation at noon. Pat H. Foley & Company at 1200 W. 34th St. Houston, TX.