Paul James Brady, Sr., 92, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 8, 2020, in his Tulsa, Oklahoma home. He was born in Paola, Kansas on February 22, 1928, the fourth of seven children to Matthew Frank and Helen Louise Robinson Brady. In the early 1930s, they moved to Wagoner, Oklahoma, where Paul worked with his family on the farm, learning many mechanical and other life skills. Even though farm life wasn't easy, Paul, like his father, faced difficulties with wit and optimism.

During World War II, while still in high school, Paul enlisted in the Navy on June 22, 1945. He left Oklahoma to serve on the USS Hercules in the Asia Pacific. After Paul returned home as a war veteran, he went back to school, riding the bus every day. He graduated with the Wagoner High School class of 1950.

On September 27, 1958, Paul married Patricia "Pat" Jean Strong in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where they raised their son, Paul, Jr., and lived for 25 years. Paul met Pat at a dance, held for the military, while he was attending Navy Electronic School, Great Lakes, Illinois.

Paul's Navy service started again in 1950 and continued until his retirement in May 1971. Paul reached the qualification of Master Chief Electronics Technician, spending two years in the Atlantic Reserve Fleet in Charleston, South Carolina, serving three years each on the USS Watts, the USS Bayfield, and USS Josephus Daniels, and one year stints at Electronic School (ET), Great Lakes, Illinois, and ET School "B," Treasure Island, San Francisco, California. During Paul's last four years of service, he was an Instructor at Service School Command, Navy Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois.

The Navy awarded Paul, a modest man, many commendations and letters of appreciation. In one, the Commanding Officer of the USS Bayfield gave Paul sole credit for significantly reducing the cost and time in a regularly scheduled overhaul of his ship due to Paul's excellent management and maintenance of the electronics gear. In a second letter, another Commanding Officer noted Paul's generosity and service to others for designing and installing an entertainment system for the crew in his off-duty hours and with a limited budget.

After the Navy, Paul worked for Diebold as a service technician and regional manager.

In 1983, Paul and Pat retired to Mountain View, Arkansas. There, Paul accomplished one of his lifelong dreams by building a home in the woods on a secluded mountain. During their retirement in Mountain View, the Bradys enjoyed square dancing, traveling, and socializing with friends at the American Legion Post No. 43, where Paul served as Commander, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4766. Paul and Pat supported many fundraising activities, helping build a new fire station and a new V.F.W. building.

Paul was a proud supportive father to his son, Paul, Jr. He enjoyed watching sports, including his son's baseball games during his high school and college career.

A loving husband, Paul was the primary caregiver for his wife when she started experiencing health issues in 1991 until he could no longer physically care for her. Accordingly, his son Paul, Jr. served as his father's primary caregiver for the last four years of Paul Sr.'s life.

Paul is survived by his wife Pat Brady and son Paul Brady, Jr., both of Tulsa, Oklahoma; brother Carl Brady (Merna) of Frederick, Colorado; sisters-in-law Charlene Edwards Brady of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Kathy Biddy Brady of Choctaw, Oklahoma; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his siblings Helen Brady Thompson (Tom), Curt Brady (Marietta Ashwood), Betty Brady Young (Bob), David Brady, and Robert "Bob" Brady; sisters-in-law Jean Jameson Brady, Kay Copeland Brady, Geraldine Strong Pliska (Henry), and Virginia Strong Moore (George Lessard, John "Jack" Robinson, and Quentin Moore); and several beloved nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are by Mallett Funeral Home and Crematory in Wagoner, Oklahoma. A memorial service will be scheduled after the coronavirus pandemic.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to Saint Francis Hospice, 6600 South Yale Avenue, Suite 350, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74136, 918-494-6465.

Thank you to Dr. Ronald Simpson and staff, of Mountain View, Arkansas, and to St. Francis Hospice members Dr. Rider, Nurse Francis, the home health aides, and social workers who provided wonderful care for Paul.

Family and friends will greatly miss Paul Brady, a gracious, humble servant.

A memorial service with military honors will be held for Mr. Brady at 11:30 am Friday, June 19, 2020 at Fort Gibson National Cemetery, Fort Gibson, Oklahoma.