Bradley Dale Bunnell

In Memory
02/16/1957 to 09/05/2024

1975

2024

Bradley Dale Bunnell, a life-long resident of Independence, Missouri, and more recently, Hamilton, Montana, entered Heaven on Thursday, September 5, 2024, with his loving wife Julie and faithful companion Dachshund Darby by-his-side. He died unexpectedly after a brief battle with cancer.

Brad, age 67, was a loving and devoted father, grandfather, uncle, and brother. He was passionate as a skilled wilderness outfitter in the Bitterroot Mountains in the Selway of Idaho and Montana. He spent many months each year navigating hunters and wanderers through the natural beauty and surroundings of the Running Creek Ranch.

Brad was known to be contrary and contradictory. He had an impish, infectious smile, dry wit and sense of humor, and at times, he could be hot-headed and quick tempered. He was a meticulous taskmaster, strong willed, stubborn, and frugal. Yet he was also creative, adventurous, passionate, caring, affectionate, and generous.

Brad demonstrated a broad range of skills, exploring many career paths as a painter, carpenter, residential and commercial construction, automotive specialist, sous chef, security services supervisor, home rehabilitation expert, wrangler, and wilderness ranch manager. Brad was also a former Director of the Independence Ararat Shriners.

He loved domestic and foreign travel – often on his Harley Davidson Motorcycle or on horseback – and accompanied by Julie, Darby, and his horses, Festus, and Johnny Walker Red. He loved the mountains, traveling frequently to Colorado, the Dakotas, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.

He was deeply devoted to Christ and the simple pleasures of life. In his later years, he found peace and solitude through his love of scripture, and the pristine, untouched beauty of the mountains, their endless skies, and natural surroundings.

A 1975 graduate of Truman High School, Brad is survived by his doting and loving wife of twenty-nine years, Julie; son Justin, wife Gabby, and grandchildren Garrett, Gavin, and Evie of Raymore, Missouri; daughter Andrea Bunnell and grandchildren Jaxsen and Charlee Grace of Independence, Missouri; stepson Steven Dye and grandchildren Patrick, Addie, and Finley of Kearney, Missouri; stepdaughter Mary Williams, husband Andy, and grandchildren Ty, Ryan, and Lucas of Kearney, Missouri; brother Nathan Bunnell, Independence, Missouri; sisters Debbi Bunnell, Raymore, Missouri; Jacci Stewart, Harmony, Texas; Patti Denny, Nevada, Missouri; and numerous cousins, life-long friends and acquaintances far and wide. Brad was preceded in death by his parents, Nathan {Bud}Junior Bunnell and Ella Mae Clinton Bunnell Phillips.

A private memorial with the family will be held at a future date. In memory of Brad, the family suggests contributions to the United State Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, Heroes Tribute Scholarship Programs for Children of the Fallen.