Darrel Bradley

Memorial services for Darrel Bradley, age 46, of O’Neill, Nebraska will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 5, 2024, at First Christian Church in Norfolk, Nebraska. Reverend Randall Coffin will officiate.

Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the church.

Home for Funerals in Norfolk is in charge of arrangements.

The funeral will be livestreamed on the funeral home's website.

Darrel Patrick Bradley passed away on March 28, 2024, at his home in O’Neill. He was born on May 4, 1977, in Anchorage, Alaska, the son of Frank Bradley and Robin Lyons.

Darrel met Molly (Lippert) in Anchorage, Alaska in March of 2003. They married in 2005. While married, Darrel and Molly welcomed their three children, Rainie, Chase, and Calleigh Bradley. Darrel adored his children and was so very proud of all of them. Darrel and Molly later divorced but remained great co-parents and friends.

Darrel loved baseball. He played all through High School, at Dimond High School in Anchorage, Alaska, and received scholarships and played at Mendocino College in Ukiah California and Panhandle State in Goodwell, Oklahoma. Darrel also played in the Alaska League, for the Anchorage Glacier Pilots.

Darrel had a passion for coaching. He coached Chase in tee ball in City Rec. He coached Rainie’s teams for the Norfolk Golden Girls Softball over several years, as well as Chase’s teams for Norfolk Steel Baseball. He coached Norfolk Legion Baseball in the most recent years. The relationships he made while coaching is what he lived for. It wasn’t just about baseball for Darrel, he taught these kids life lessons, as well as showing them support, encouragement and love. It wasn’t about the wins- it was about the relationships and memories made. Darrel genuinely loved each kid he ever coached and remained a friend and mentor to all the kids he coached.

Darrel worked in the ethanol industry, beginning as an operator in Granite Falls, Minnesota, working his way up to plant manager in Medina, New York, Norfolk, Nebraska and then Atkinson, Nebraska.

Darrel loved everyone he met, and no one was ever a stranger to Darrel. He had a quick wit, and great sense of humor. He could make anyone laugh. Darrel had a huge heart and would help anyone at the drop of a hat.

Darrel is survived by his children, Rainie, Chase, and Calleigh Bradley; and his honorary mom, Claudia Perkins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Bradley; and mother, Robin Lyons.

Darrel battled the demons that roam here. Still, he had a profound mark on so many even in the midst of the pain he endured. In the end, Darrel went out a winner. His greatest and last victory was in the eternity he will spend with Jesus.  He went to sleep; the angels came to take him to his everlasting glory. When he opened his eyes, was renewed, healthy, at peace and finally a champion. Darrel left his legacy in his children, and those whose lives he touched. Darrel will forever remain in our hearts, remembered for the love and compassion he had for all. May he rest in peace.

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