Robert E. Bradley, 84, of Knoxville, passed away at home on February 22, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born on June 2, 1938, in Galesburg. The son of Clarence E. and Blanche Irene (Shannon) Bradley.
Robert graduated from Galesburg High School in 1956 and from Brown’s Business College in Galesburg in 1958. He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Norma L. Rosenberry on May 2, 1959, in Knoxville. Together they happily celebrated nearly 62 years of marriage before Norma passed away on November 11, 2020.
He is survived by his three daughters, Susan (Jeff) Jefferson of Gilson, Sandra (Mike) Brown of Abingdon, Cynthia (Bob) Siedel of Yates City. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Dru (Courtney) Jefferson of Knoxville, Joshua Thurman of Lincoln, NE, Neal (Amanda) Jefferson of Gilson, Taylor Siedel of Abingdon, Bradley Siedel of Abingdon, Hale Brown of Abingdon, and Alyssa Siedel of Yates City. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, Briahna and Bryce Jefferson of Knoxville, Rachael Tracy of Gilson, Kennedy Anderson of Gilson, Sophia and Ayden Haskins of Knoxville, and Harper Heydeman of Knoxville. Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Norma, his parents, and his sister, Jeanne.
Robert was employed by the former CB&Q, Burlington Northern, and BNSF Railway for 39 years as a conductor, retiring in 1997. He was a member of the United Transportation Union, Local #195, and served as President for four years, Local Chairman of the Aurora Division for 25 years, a Delegate to the International Convention twice, once to Hawaii and once in Miami, and as part-time Vice General Chairman in Arvada, Colorado for eight years. He was a member of the Abingdon Christian Church, and served as a Deacon and currently as Elder. He was an avid Green Bay Packer and St. Louis Cardinal fan.
Robert and Norma thoroughly enjoyed traveling in their motorhome by themselves and with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and also attending the many sporting events, plays, concerts, and other activities with them. Robert and Norma were tour guides for Payless Tours for 12 years after retirement, making some 105 bus trips to various locations, retiring in 2017.
Visitation will be Monday, February 27, 2023, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory, Knoxville. Funeral service will follow at 12 PM. Rev. Jordan Knight will officiate. Burial will follow services at Knoxville Cemetery where he will be laid to rest and reunited with his beloved Norma. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory, Knoxville have been entrusted with assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com