Darrel Lee Bradshaw, an Air Force veteran, teacher, coach and longtime school counselor from Oklahoma, died on September 7, 2026. This page summarizes his family’s published obituary. It is about this one man, since many other people named Lee Bradshaw have obituaries online. Our condolences go to his son, daughter, grandsons and church family.
Latest Update: October 1, 2026
As of October 1, 2026, the obituary on the Vondel L. Smith & Sons Mortuaries website says Darrel Lee Bradshaw died on September 7, 2026. A memorial service was held on Monday, September 14, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Central time at Southwest Church of Christ, 3031 Southwest 104th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. That service is now in the past, and I found no later announcement.
The funeral home page gives his birth date as July 24, 1944, in its heading and July 25, 1944, in the obituary text. This page uses “July 24 or 25, 1944.” The page also lists “Norman” under his dates, but the obituary does not say where he lived at the end of his life, so I have not stated a hometown. The obituary does not state a cause of death.
Who Was Darrel Lee Bradshaw?
The family describes him as a loving husband, devoted father and a Christian example to his family. He worked in many jobs over his life and spent the last 25 years of his career as a counselor for Yukon Public Schools.
Background and Early Life
Darrel was born in Wichita, Kansas, in July 1944 to Lee and Pearl Bradshaw. He was raised in Oklahoma City, did well in school and graduated from Capitol Hill High School in 1963. The obituary spells it “Capital Hill,” and I have used the school’s usual spelling.
Military Service
Darrel enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1967. He served during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1969.
Career
The obituary lists several careers. He ran an onion burger restaurant and a full-service garage station, taught and coached. For the last 25 years of his working life, he was a counselor for Yukon Public Schools, and he retired in 2005.
Darrel Bradshaw Age
Darrel was born in July 1944 and was 82 years old when he died on September 7, 2026. The calculation is 2026 minus 1944, which is 82, and his 2026 birthday had already passed.
Marriage and Family
In 1971, Darrel married Paula Kay Johnston, whom the obituary calls the love of his life. They had two children, Kevin and Melissa. Paula died before him, after 48 years of marriage. His parents, Lee and Pearl Bradshaw, also died before him. Survivors include his son, Kevin Bradshaw, and Kevin’s wife, Amanda; his daughter, Melissa Bradshaw; his grandsons, Camden and Baker; and many extended family members, church family and friends.
Faith, Interests and Memories
Darrel and his family were longtime members of Southwest Church of Christ in Oklahoma City. He enjoyed taking his family on summer vacations, including trips to Disney World, the Grand Canyon, Tennessee and Texas. In his free time he liked OU football and basketball games, movies and eating out, and he made a habit of hunting for the best burger wherever he went. The family says they will remember his smile, sense of humor, wisdom, kindness, and love for the church and his family.
Quick Table
| Full Name | Darrel Lee Bradshaw |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 24 or 25, 1944 (the funeral home page lists both) |
| Date of Death | September 7, 2026 |
| Age | 82 |
| Birthplace | Wichita, Kansas |
| Raised | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |
| Parents | Lee and Pearl Bradshaw |
| Education | Capitol Hill High School, 1963 |
| Military Service | U.S. Air Force, 1967 to 1969; Vietnam War |
| Career | Restaurant owner, garage owner, teacher, coach; Yukon Public Schools counselor for 25 years |
| Spouse | Paula Kay (Johnston) Bradshaw, married 1971; she died before him |
| Children | Kevin and Melissa |
| Church | Southwest Church of Christ, Oklahoma City |
| Memorial Service | September 14, 2026, 11:00 a.m., Southwest Church of Christ |
| Cause of Death | Not stated in the obituary |
Reader Questions
Who was Darrel Lee Bradshaw?
He was an Air Force veteran, teacher, coach and school counselor who was raised in Oklahoma City. He died on September 7, 2026, at age 82.
When did Darrel Bradshaw die?
His obituary says he died on September 7, 2026.
How old was Darrel Bradshaw?
He was 82. His birth date is given as July 24 or 25, 1944, in different parts of the funeral home page.
What did Darrel Bradshaw do for a living?
He held several jobs, including running an onion burger restaurant and a garage, teaching and coaching. He was a counselor for Yukon Public Schools for his last 25 years and retired in 2005.
Did Darrel Bradshaw serve in the military?
Yes. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1967, served during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1969.
Who survives Darrel Bradshaw?
He is survived by his son, Kevin, and daughter-in-law, Amanda; his daughter, Melissa; and his grandsons, Camden and Baker, along with extended family and friends.
When was the memorial service?
It was held on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Southwest Church of Christ in Oklahoma City.
Wrap-Up
Darrel Bradshaw’s life included military service in Vietnam and a varied working life that ended with 25 years as a school counselor. His family’s obituary dwells most on his faith, his sense of humor and the vacations and church friendships he valued.
Because “Lee Bradshaw” is a common name, results can easily mix up different men. Darrel’s father was named Lee Bradshaw, but this obituary is for Darrel Lee Bradshaw, who died in September 2026.
As of October 1, 2026, his death on September 7, 2026, is confirmed by his family’s obituary, and the memorial service has already been held.
Disclaimer
This article is based on the family’s obituary published by Vondel L. Smith & Sons Mortuaries and reviewed on October 1, 2026. Conflicting details are identified as such, and details the obituary does not state are not included.
