Sam Bradbury passed on Friday, June 11, 2021 at Homestead of Derby.  A graveside service will be held at Highland Cemetery on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at 2:00 P.M.  Arrangements are under the direction of Miles Funeral Service in Winfield.

Sam was born on November 27, 1929 in Picher, Oklahoma, the last of six children of Ulyssess "Dude" and Emma (Howard) Bradbury.  Sam received his education in Picher, graduating from Picher High School.  Sam met the love of his life, Margie Karnes, at PHS and they married in 1949.  Sam and Margie welcomed three daughters, Diana, Rita and Shirl.

Sam played football, basketball, and baseball for PHS.  While a strong performer in all three sports, Sam especially excelled in baseball, being an ace hurler for the PHS Gorillas.  The April 27, 1948 edition of the Miami, OK newspaper reported on the Gorilla's second straight Lucky Seven baseball championship when they trounced their arch rivals, the Commerce Tigers, 11-4.  The paper reported Sam, a junior, didn't start out strong on the mound but he settled down quickly, and pitched a strong, full seven innings, striking out 11.  This win was Sam's fifth conference win with no defeats. The starting pitcher for the Commerce Tigers was Mickey Mantle; Mantle was pulled in the 5 ^th inning.  Go Gorillas!

Sam used what he learned from his high school coach, Paul Douthatt, when he coached Babe Ruth baseball in Grants, New Mexico.  Sam saw his role as a teacher, teaching the boys the fundamentals of the game; and, as a helper in the boys' developing their natural abilities.  Sam didn't like to pull a pitcher, preferring instead to let the player work his way out of the jam, relying on his team members to make the plays.  He coached; he didn't criticize.

Sam and Margie passed their love of baseball down to their daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  While there are varied opinions within the family which sport Sam loved most, many say it was baseball.  Being a true Irishman, Sam will be delighted that this spirited discussion will continue on .

Sam was an avid fan of KU basketball and Oklahoma University football and rarely missed watching a game.  A lifelong athlete, Sam played men's softball for many years in Winfield; he took up long distance running, winning many trophies in various marathons.

Sam's favorite subject in school was English, so it is no surprise he was passionate about reading.  His extensive collection of books is a testament to his study of US history, World history, Military history, and biographies of presidents, politicians, and other leaders.  Sam also read extensively on sports, all sports, including specific teams and players.  We don't know if Sam had a favorite professional athlete, but some family members are pretty sure if he did, it wasn't Mantle.  Sam and Margie encouraged their children and grandchildren to get an education, believing the path to a better life is through education.

In his work life, Sam was a welder and industrial maintenance repairman for Kerr McGee Oil Company in New Mexico; he was also a welder for Boeing Wichita and Strother Wells.

Sam was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margie in 2001; his parents, three brothers (Earl, Ray and Clyde) and two sisters (Vera Porter and June Tynon); and a grandson, Paul Green.  Sam was also preceded in death by his dogs Monday and Spike.

Sam was much loved and is survived by his three daughters and their husbands: Diana and Phil Cales of New Carlisle OH; Rita and Mick Roark of Winfield; and Shirl and Ted Green of Derby.  His grandchildren also survive: Mark Roark, Christopher Roark (Elaine), Sara Cales Hyatt (Keith), Tifini Bradbury, Doug Cales (Kari), Patrick Roark (Emily), Mindi Wall (Tyson), Austin Green, and Mary Green.  Sam's great-grandchildren also survive him: Brett, Cameron, Logan, Caden and MaKenna Roark; Noah, Nicholas and Jack Hyatt; Blake and Mia Smitley ; and, Joslyn, Brooke, Ethan, and Isaac Wall.  Sam is also survived by a special nephew and niece, Don Karnes and Alene Karnes Kline; and numerous other nieces and nephews.

A memorial has been established in Sam's name for Heartsprings Autism Services in Wichita.  Contributions may be made through the funeral home.