Luke Christopher Bradley

My hero died today.  Luke Christopher Bradley came into this world October 18, 1984, and changed my life forever.

Some people come into the world to learn and some to teach.  Luke was a teacher though he didn’t know it. Luke’s unique medical conditions, behavior and personality were a source of learning for all who knew him.  He taught me about unconditional love, compassion, patience, (so much patience), and how to see the joy in simple, everyday things which I would often forget.  Somehow, he would always find a way to remind me.

Luke loved vacuum cleaners, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and watching The Brave Little Toaster.  It took so little to make him happy.  Christmas was his favorite time of year.  The joy of opening his presents never faded and he knew Santa would always bring him a new vacuum cleaner.

Luke died December 13th, 2022, in his home surrounded by love and peace.

Luke is survived by his mom and stepdad, Gina and John Mocaby of Marion.  His sister Amy Bradley. Brother Josh Mocaby, Brother Robert Mocaby, Sister Samantha (Matt)Evans, sister Bethany Mocaby, Nephews Jaxon and Sawyer Mocaby, Nephew William Evans and niece Caroline Evans, Brother Matt Hedges, and Sister Doni Walker Groves all of Marion.  His devoted caregiver of over 30 years (and second Mom) Gloria (Lloyd) Otterson of West Frankfort.

He is also survived by his father Kenneth Bradley of Marion.

His maternal grandmother Mary K. Camden, paternal grandmother Vernys Smith, and step-grandmother Edna Mocaby of Marion, his step-grandmother Elizabeth Braddock of Mississippi as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Donald Camden, Paternal grandfather Luther (Luke) Bradley whom he was named after.  His uncle Mark Mocaby, and paternal step-grandfather Bob Mocaby.

Visitation services will be held on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, from 12:00 PM -1:00 PM at Binkley-Ross Funeral Home located at 1702 West Boulevard Street Marion, Illinois. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM with Uncle Jack Mocaby officiating. Interment will follow in Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or SIH Cancer Institute.