Verle Leon Brady

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 If ever a single scripture could sum up the character of a person, this would be it for our family patriarch. Verle Leon Brady was born to humble beginnings in a home in Alva, OK to Virgil and Delila (May) Brady. He lived the early years of his childhood on a farm East of Alva until the family moved to their homestead 28 miles northwest of Alva. Verle and his sister, Virgie, attended Farry School. After his graduation, he attended Northwestern State College for a short time. Verle enlisted in the military during the Korean War, joining the United States Army, Battery B, 189th Field Artillery Installation, 45th Infantry Division on December 1, 1951. He served as a Corporal until completing his service on April 25, 1952, receiving an Award of Commendation citation for meritorious service in Korea. Upon returning from the War, he married Bonnie Janette Barnes on December 16, 1953 at the First United Methodist Church in Alva. Upon completion of the construction of their home, the couple returned to the Brady family homestead where they farmed, ranched, and operated their business, Brady Pens, a cattle preconditioning lot. Verle also worked several years hauling gravel for the Freedom district of Woods County. During their time on the farm, the Bradys raised their four children; Doug, Steve, Randy and Bonita. Verle served on the Woods County Soil Conservation Board (Freedom, OK), the Farry School Board for nine years, and was an early member of the Greenleaf Volunteer Fire Department. Though his heart and his roots never left the farm they called home for 58 years, Verle and Bonnie moved to Alva upon their retirement in April 2011. Anyone who has been born into the farm life knows that retirement is rarely successful on the first attempt. Verle wasn’t content to simply sit and relax. He returned to the farm often following their move to offer assistance, advice and observation as his son, Steve, took over the farming and ranching operation. He purchased land closer to town where he could run his own small ranching operation as a hobby. Together, the couple surrounded their once unimaginative lawn with beautiful planting beds filled with flowers and vegetables. Many of the beds are reflective of Verle’s love of bright vibrant colors. Though hard work was certainly a central theme to Verle, he knew there was much more to life than work. Through the best of times and the worst, he had the ability to light up a room with his joy and zest for life. Only a few years ago, when he couldn’t farm and ranch as easily, he took up woodworking. He spent hours in his shop building countless gifts for his family ranging from large wooden planters to, dish trivets, wooden crosses, flags and even checker boards. Few things made him happier than being surrounded by his family. He spoke often about how proud he was of each of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and very recently, his first great-great-grandchild. Kindness, generosity, and charity were all among his passions. In retirement, he and Bonnie operated a thrift shop to help provide clothing to those needing assistance and the income was donated to various organizations to help others in need. These qualities were rooted in a strong Christian faith. Verle attended Cedar Grove Church while living on the farm and upon moving to town he was a member of the Alva Church of God and recently attended the Alva Wesleyan Church. As his final project, he coordinated and funded the installation of a 65 foot tall cross on display along the highway on the south side of Alva. He felt strongly about being bold in his faith. In his final days he showed and spoke about a bible that his mother had given to him when he enlisted in the military. He spoke of how he carried the bible in his shirt pocket during his time of military service. He kept the bible though his adult years and even in his final days he held it near. This was the theme of his time on this earth. He was completely humble and gentle; he was patient and he treated others with love. Verle entered into eternal life on Friday, July 15, 2022 at the age of 92 years, 3 months and 8 days. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Bonnie Janette Brady of the home; four children, Doug Brady and wife, Brenda, of Alva; Steve Brady and wife, Mardonna, of Alva; Randy Brady and wife, Treasa, of Edmond, OK; Bonita Erikson and husband, F.M., of Alva, eight grandchildren, Mandy Bowles and husband, Brad, of Buffalo, OK; Matt Brady and wife, Jade, of Piedmont, OK; Leah Brady and Chris Dunn of Alva; Landon Brady and wife, Angelica, of Alva; Chrissy Ledesma and husband, Orion, of Edmond, OK; Misty Jacobson and husband, Travis, of Alva; Cody Erikson and wife, Joni, of Morrison, OK; Katie Willyard and husband, Tyler, of Alva; nineteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; many other relatives and friends. Contributions may be made through the funeral home to Greenleaf Volunteer Department.

Verle Leon Brady

April 7, 1930 - July 15, 2022