John Leo Bradas
“…A Father’s legacy is not riches, possessions or worldly goods of any kind, it is the way he lived, the lives he touched, and the promises he kept. It is the kind of man he was.”
Amen.
John Bradas, age 86, passed away peacefully at home in Alexandria on January 12, 2022. Funeral services celebrating his extraordinary life were held on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at the Chapel of Hixson Brothers in Alexandria with Pastor Janis Anthony officiating. Burial followed in Alexandria Memorial Gardens, Woodworth.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Linda McKenzie Bradas; Janice Bradas; his beloved wife of 64 years, Juanita; sisters, “Snookie” Downing; and Linda Ann Shaw; and brother-in-law, Richard Shaw.
John graduated from Bolton High in 1953 and married his high school sweetheart, Juanita in 1955. Both played in the Bolton High Band and he continued his musical career with a dance band while attending La. Tech.
He spent his lifetime in insurance careers until retiring with AON Corporation in 1998. John was active in the community service as President of the Alexandria Optimist Club, Board of Trustees and member of the choir of First Methodist Church in Alexandria and Zwolle Methodist Church, coached Dixie Boys Baseball for many years, officiating high school football for 28 years.
John was the first Republican Police Juror elected in Rapides Parish when he served in the 1970’s. He chaired the Gravity Drainage District of Rapides Parish until his passing. After retiring, John was active in the Toledo Bend Lake area, serving as President and Board member of the Toledo Bend Lake Association.
He so loved living the retired life… fishing, golf, being “Captain John” on the party boat, watching the children jumping off the dock and everyone gathering at the lake. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, sharing stories of Louisiana history and politics, attending sporting events played by grandchildren, watching any sport with friends, and a good cigar.
Those left to cherish his memory are daughter, Nita Deville and husband Wayne; sons, John Michael Bradas, and wife Susan; Jeffrey Alan Bradas, Sr. and wife Shonda; grandchildren, Jennifer Deville; Shaun Deville (Lauren); Michael Paul Bradas (Beth); Jeffrey Bradas, Jr. (Danielle); Erica Bradas and Emily Bradas; fifteen great grandchildren, Hailey; Garrett; Logan; Hunter; Hayden; Noah; Peyton; Jackson; Sophie; Rilee; Haislee; Brody; Beckham; Drake and Lux; two great great grandchildren, Sawyer and Cooper; cousin, Patsy Roper; and numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
Pallbearers honored to serve were Mike Bradas, Jeff Bradas, Shaun Deville, Michael Paul Bradas, Jeffrey Bradas, David Shaw, and Bobby Shaw.
Memorials may be made to the Methodist Children’s Home, P.O. Box 929, Ruston, Louisiana 71232; Zwolle Methodist Church, 2037 Obrie Street, Zwolle, LA 71486; or your favorite charity.
To extend on-line condolences to the Bradas Family, please contact us at www.hixsonbrothers.com.
