J. Bradley Young's Obituary
John Bradley Young of Centerville died October 12, 2015 at Select Specialty Hospital, located at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. John Bradley Young, known throughout his life as Brad, was born December 26, 1925 in Joplin, MO to John H. and Frances Bradley Young. At the age of four, Brad moved to Centerville to live with his grandfather J.A. Bradley and his mother's sister Olive Bradley. Two years later, his parents moved back to join him.Brad attended public schools in Centerville through the 8th grade. During WWII, he attended four years of high school and ROTC training at St. John's Military Academy in Delafield, WI. During this period he became commander of his company and played varsity football, basketball and track. While at St. John's he was elected senior class president and at graduation was awarded the school's highest honor as most outstanding cadet. By the time he graduated the war had ended and the army had no need for officers with specialized training. He then entered Northwestern University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. During college he became a member and eventual president of Beta Theta Pi. In his junior year he was voted by his peers to junior men's honorary "Deru" and was subsequently elected president. He also played football for the Northwestern Wildcats.While at Northwestern he met the love of his life and wife to be, the "pretty" Margaret (Peggy) Thomas. The two were pinned a year after meeting and following graduation were married on June 4, 1949 in Evanston, IL. They were blessed with two children, J. Bradley, Jr. and Jeffrey. After graduation, the two headed back to Centerville where Brad entered into the family banking business. With his visionary ability, he prepared a plan for the future of the Iowa Trust and First National Banks of Centerville, both owned by the family. The plan included a merger of both banks into the Iowa Trust and Savings Bank, and a modern banking facility with ample parking and drive through banking located one block west of the Centerville square. During his early years in Centerville, Brad became interested in golf and spent 26 years on the Board of Appanoose County Country Club, serving one year as president. An accomplished golfer, he also won nine club championships.His interest in golf pulled Brad to Florida during Iowa's harsh winters. He built a home at John's Island in Vero Beach and joined the John's Island Club where he won five more championships. Later with a few friends, he became co-founder of an 18 hole golf club and gated community named Bent Pine where he served as president of the club that was honored by Links golf magazine as one of the best private clubs in America.A life-long and generous supporter of Centerville, Brad dedicated time and resources throughout his life for the continued betterment of the community. He served two terms on the Centerville City Council and was a co-founder and first president of the Centerville Jaycees. In 1979, Brad was co-chairperson of the successful fund drive to build a new St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital located north of town. Throughout his life, the bank played a leading role in almost every community economic, industrial and civic development initiative both large and small.He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Frances Bradley and his aunt Olive Bradley.Brad is survived by his wife Margaret (Peggy) Young of Centerville, Iowa, sons, John Bradley, Jr. (Christi) of Des Moines, Iowa and Jeffrey (Ann) Young of Centerville. Iowa, and two grandsons Tyler Young of Brooklyn, New York and Nicholas Young of Overland Park, Kansas.Funeral services will be held at 10 am, Friday, October 16, 2015 at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville, Iowa with Rev. Dale O'Connell officiating. Burial will follow at the Oakland Cemetery in Centerville. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2015 from 2 pm until 8 pm at the funeral home with the family present from 5 till 7 pm. Memorials can be made to the YMCA in Centerville and left or mailed to the funeral home. The To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of J. Bradley Young please visit our Sympathy Store.
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