Robert H. Bradley, 86, of Springfield, Missouri passed away on the morning of October 6, 2022.

Robert, known to most as "Bob" or "Dr. Bradley," was born in Clarksville, Tennessee on March 9, 1936. Robert completed his undergraduate degree at Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee and master's degree and PhD at University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana.

Robert Bradley will be remembered as an outstanding educator, theatrical director, mentor, artist, storyteller, administrator, colleague, and friend. A professor of theatre history, Robert's passion and wisdom for the subject matter extended far beyond the classroom. He possessed a lifelong unquenchable curiosity and quest for knowledge that he brought to every conversation, presentation, or production he directed. He had a thirst for theatrical works of great literary value with significant focus on the works of William Shakespeare, Stephen Sondheim, and Edward Albee. Robert was extremely proud of his students who found success in film, television, professional theatre, academia, teaching, and a myriad of other pursuits. He remained in regular contact with many of them until his death. Robert's legacy of kindness, warmth, wisdom, patience, and generosity will live on through the immeasurable lives he impacted – from former students and actors to a wealth of collaborative artists and friends.

Robert spent his entire 39-year teaching career at Southwest Missouri State University/Missouri State University, serving as the Head of the Department of Theatre and Dance for 31 years. During Robert's tenure at SMSU/MSU he directed 38 mainstage productions and 30 productions for the university's summer program, Tent Theatre.

A champion of the arts in Southwest Missouri, Robert served on the Boards of Springfield Little Theatre, Springfield Contemporary Theatre, Springfield Regional Opera, Springfield Art Museum as well as on the Planning Committee for Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. At the time of his passing, Robert was serving on the Southwest Missouri Museum Associates Board of Trustees as well as Chairman of the SMMA Theatre Appreciation Arts Group and as a Resident Director for Springfield Contemporary Theatre.

As a theatrical director, Robert directed 15 productions for Springfield Little Theatre as well as multiple productions for Springfield Regional Opera. Following his retirement from Missouri State University, Robert found his artistic home at Springfield Contemporary Theatre where he directed 34 productions since 2003. Robert received many honors over the years including the Ozzie Award given by Springfield Regional Arts Council, induction into the MSU Wall of Fame at Missouri State University, an Award of Appreciation from MSU Alumni Association and the first Byrne Blackwood Memorial Award from Springfield Regional Opera for significant contributions to area arts.

In his leisure time, Robert enjoyed traveling, gardening, entertaining, communing with friends, collecting art and music, visiting museums, attending theatre and concerts regionally and around the globe.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Robert E. and Mary Fern (Harlow) Bradley and his brother David W. Bradley. He is survived by his partner of 53 years, Louis Schaeffer of Springfield, Missouri; David's wife Shirley of Nashville, Tennessee, and by their children Laurie Dambro (Ed Chairvolotti) of Orlando, Florida, and Scott Bradley (Michelle) of Brentwood, Tennessee; and brother W. Blakey Bradley (June) of Clarksville, Tennessee, and their children Sherri Brown (Mike) of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Steve Bradley (Karen) of Clarksville, Tennessee.

At his request, Robert was cremated, and a memorial celebration will be held Sunday, December 4, 2022, at 2:00p.m. at The Old Glass Place, 521 E. St. Louis Street in Springfield, MO.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made to the Robert Bradley Memorial Fund at Springfield Contemporary Theatre.

Memorial Fund link: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35476/store/donations/48812