Stephen Bradley

Stephen Bradley, age 80, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at St Clara's Rehab & Senior Care in Lincoln, after a long battle of brain cancer.

He was born December 23, 1945 in Springfield, the son of Kenneth D. and Besse Jean (Shipley) Bradley.

Stephen married Lila Price on June 25, 1982. She preceded him in death in 2013.

Mourning his passing are his companion, Mary Kirby; brother, Mark (Cindi) Bradley of Springfield, IL; stepdaughters, Mary (Steve) Palmer of Springfield, IL and Emily (Shane) Burton of Sherman, IL; grandsons, Creighten Burton, Evan Coleman, and Justin Burton; “bonus” children, Landon (Jamie) Kirby and Natasha (Adam) Bacon; “bonus” grandchildren, Kirby Jo Bacon and Milo Bacon; sister-in-law, Gladys Farnam; nieces and nephews, Ryan (Shelby) Bradley, Neil Bradley, Jill (Ben) Johnson, Beth (Nate) Rohrig, and Brad (Desirea) Votaw; and several cousins.

He is also preceded in death by his father; mother; brother, Kent Bradley; sister, Ann Votaw; and brother-in-law, Jeff Votaw.

Stephen graduated from Greenview High School in 1964. He later attended SIU Carbondale upon graduating from high school.

Stephen served for the U.S. Army from 1966 through 1968 as a Sergeant during the Vietnam War.

Upon returning from Vietnam, he worked for National Bank of Petersburg as a Loan Officer. After his father passed away he took over the family farming operation in 1974 in the Petersburg/Greenview until his retirement in 2010. After retirement, Stephen worked as a Tender Driver at the Greenview FS Plant from 2016 until 2021.

He served on the Greenview School Board, Petersburg Jaycees, and Menard County Farm Bureau Board.

A visitation for Stephen will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 10:00 AM until time of funeral services at 12:00 PM at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens. Burial will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Petersburg.

Memorial contributions the Greenview AMVETS Post #179 or St. Clara’s Rehab and Senior Care in Lincoln.

The family would like to give appreciation for the staff at St. Clara’s Rehab and Senior Care in Lincoln for the care Stephen received.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.