James ‘Mel’ Bradley

James “Mel” Bradley, 83, an unwavering pillar of love for his family and friends, passed away in his home of over 40 years on Sunday, his wife with him in his final Earthly moments.

The oldest son of James and Marie Bradley, Mel was born Aug. 24, 1939, and worked from an early age to support his family. He took on his role as oldest son with fortitude, dedicated to the happiness and well-being of his parents and siblings alike. When Mel was a kid, the family moved from Arkansas to California where he would eventually meet Barbara Mendenhall, who became his wife in 1959.

With Barbara and a new daughter in tow, Mel moved to Washington in 1962 and made their home in Moses Lake. Their son, born five years later, completed the family unit. The life Mel built with Barbara was a full one, filled with fishing, camping trips, and careers in truck driving and, later, motorcycle mechanics. Throughout his life, he remained dedicated to his family as it expanded to include much-loved sisters- and brothers-in-law and eight nieces and nephews. He was an unwavering family man.

Mel’s humor and goodwill were woven into every action, whether at work, at home or in the hobbies he chose for himself or pursued with his wife. For years Mel and Barbara were members of UMCI, a motorcycle club for members over 40. With many treasured friends sharing the road, the two traveled deserts and mountains, covering as much terrain as possible, no matter the weather.

In 2005, Mel and Barbara retired to Arkansas, where he spent time raising chickens, taking walks with his dog Duke and enjoying a return to his birthplace. There, he was a member of the Church of Christ and dedicated hours to his church and, most importantly, his faith. In 2022, Mel and Barbara returned to Moses Lake and the home they had left nearly two decades prior, where he had the opportunity to reconnect with long-missed family and was able to meet and spend time with his great-grandchildren. Even in his final days, you could find him in his reclining chair, a beloved great-granddaughter on his lap.

Mel joins his mother and father, who preceded him in death. He lives on in his wife Barbara; his siblings Louise, Vaughn, Bernice and Katherine; his children Vickie and Mel Jr. (Veronica); his grandchildren Rachel, Justin, Brandon (Ashley), Preston (Crista), Harley and Hayden; and eight great-grandchildren.

His loss is deeply felt by the family who have not before gone a day without his love. We know that “never again will this happiness return just this way,” at least not on this Earth, but we will remember him, and our shared happiness, always.

Please express your thoughts and memories at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.