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Shawn
Bradley
May 8, 1971 — Oct 5, 2026
Saturday
Xenia Nazarene Church
10:00 am - 1:00 pm (Eastern time)
Saturday
Xenia Nazarene Church
1:00 - 2:00 pm (Eastern time)
Shawn Bradley, a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, faithful servant of God, dedicated law enforcement officer, and proud Michigan Wolverines fan, passed away on October 5, 2026, following a sudden and unexpected medical emergency at the age of fifty-five.
Born in Ashland, Ohio, May 8, 1971. Shawn was the oldest son of Reverend Sam and Sherry Bradley. He was a proud graduate of Ohio University and Liberty University, accomplishments that reflected his lifelong appreciation for education, learning, and personal growth.
Shawn dedicated much of his adult life to serving and protecting others. Throughout his distinguished law enforcement career, he served as a Deputy Sheriff, Police Officer, Police Trainer, investigator, range and driving instructor, member of the Honor Guard, and Bailiff. He proudly served the Greene County community for 25 years before retiring. His career was more than a profession; it was a calling rooted in integrity, service, and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Whether protecting his community, training fellow officers, or serving in the courtroom, Shawn took pride in what was entrusted to him.
While Shawn was proud of his professional accomplishments, his greatest joy and most treasured role was being a husband, father, and grandfather.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Bonnie Bradley, whom he affectionately called "smallz." Their love was evident in the life they shared, the memories they created, and the adventures they enjoyed together.
Shawn was a loving father to Allen Stiffler (Kala) and Amanda Mitchell (Kyle). He was especially proud of his grandchildren, Austin and Kendall Stiffler and Cameron and Gwendolyn Mitchell, whom he lovingly referred to as his "wee kids." His grandchildren held an extraordinary place in his heart, and the memories they shared will forever remain a treasured part of his legacy.
He is also survived by his brother, Jeff Bradley, and many extended family members and dear friends.
Shawn's faith was an important foundation of his life. As the son of a reverend, he grew up surrounded by faith and carried those values throughout his years. He was blessed to be a member of Xenia Nazarene Church, where he deeply valued the fellowship, friendships, and sense of family he found within his church community.
Beyond his faith, family, and career, Shawn had a genuine appreciation for the many joys life had to offer. He loved live music of all kinds, reading, writing, art, comedy, sports, Harley-Davidson, traveling, and photography. He enjoyed exploring new places, experiencing new things, and making lasting memories with those he loved.
And, of course, there was his unwavering devotion to the University of Michigan Wolverines.
To say Shawn was a Michigan fan would be an understatement. His love for the Michigan Wolverines was more than a passion; it was a part of who he was. Whether cheering from the stands, proudly wearing his maize and blue, or working on the events team at Michigan home football games, Shawn found tremendous joy in being part of the Wolverine family.
One of Shawn's personal goals was to visit every Big Ten football stadium, a journey that combined his love of football, travel, and making memories. In his final days, Shawn and his beloved wife, Bonnie, traveled to Minnesota, excited to watch their Wolverines play and check another stadium off his list. Sadly, Shawn experienced an unexpected medical emergency before they could attend the game. Although he never made it into the stadium that day, his final adventure was spent pursuing something he loved, alongside the woman he loved. His unwavering Michigan pride, infectious enthusiasm, and devotion to the Wolverines will forever be part of how he is remembered.
Shawn also possessed a wonderful sense of humor. He appreciated a good joke, enjoyed laughter, and understood that some of life's greatest moments were found in the simple joy of being surrounded by people he loved.
One of the most meaningful gifts Shawn leaves behind is a personal reflection discovered on his computer following his passing. In his own words, he described himself as honored to be a husband, father, and grandfather. He reflected on his love of music, art, sports, travel, and photography, and spoke warmly of his church family.
Perhaps most touching was one simple statement he left behind:
"Grateful for the friends that I made in life."
Those words beautifully reflect the man Shawn was. He understood that a meaningful life was not measured solely by accomplishments or years of service, but by faith, family, friendships, laughter, and the people whose lives we touch along the way.
Shawn's passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Yet his legacy will live on through the family he cherished, the community he faithfully served, the friendships he cultivated, and the memories he helped create.
He will be remembered for his faith, his loyalty, his service to others, his unmistakable Michigan pride, his sense of humor, and, above all, his love for his family.
Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever a Michigan Wolverine.
Celebration of Life
A Celebration of Life honoring Shawn will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Xenia Nazarene Church.
Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a service celebrating Shawn's life at 1:00 p.m.
In true Shawn fashion, we invite you to come dressed in something that celebrates the things he loved! Whether it's Michigan maize and blue, a concert T-shirt representing your favorite band, or a Harley-Davidson shirt, we encourage you to wear something that brings a smile and reflects Shawn's love of sports, music, motorcycles, and life.
Above all, come ready to share memories, laughter, and stories as we celebrate a man who meant so much to so many.
Go Blue!
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