John Bradley

John Bradley, 83, of Astoria, died Saturday, May 21, 2011, at home.

He was born Dec. 10, 1927, and was a native Oregonian. He was an orphan.

He was raised in the Salem area.

In 1943, when he was 16 years old, he moved to Astoria. He worked on local mink, dairy and chicken farms. He then served in the U.S. Army until 1951.

In 1952, he married Louise Meisner. She preceded him in death.

Mr. Bradley returned to Astoria in 1952. He worked at several jobs in the area until he started his own painting business. When he retired from painting, he worked at Lon’s New and Used for 17 years.

He was a longtime member of the Church of the Nazarene. He also attended Bible studies and services at several other local churches. He was often told he should have been a preacher.

He had no biological family, but is survived by a large family of friends.

A memorial will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 26, at the Church of the Nazarene, followed by a reception.

Interment will be at a later date at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Missions Department, Church of the Nazarene, 725 Niagara Ave., Astoria, OR 97103-5118.

Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary in Astoria is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book can be signed at www.caldwellsmortuary.com