Bradley "Brad" Dean Older

Bradley Dean Older, 37, of East Leroy died unexpectedly on Sunday, May 26, 2019.

Brad was born April 14, 1982 in Battle Creek, Michigan the son of Robert Eugene and Cindy Lee (Vogt) Older. Brad earned the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 13. He was a 2000 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School, where he was a member of the Bearcat Swim Team. Brad proudly served our country as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard for 16 years. His years of service included sailing on the Barque Eagle, where he helped train Coast Guard Cadets from the Coast Guard Academy. Currently, he was enrolled at Western Michigan University in his junior year, majoring in Sustainable Brewing, with a minor in Chemistry.
He was employed at WMU through the U.S. Office of Military and Veterans Affairs as a Veteran mentoring incoming freshman Veterans. Brad was the vice president of Student Veterans of America at WMU. He was a member of GSA Geological Society of America. He was part of a team that developed a curriculum for WMU called "Pathways to Science Teaching" and he mentored elementary students about water quality.

Brad is survived by his parents, Bob & Cindy Older of East Leroy; his brother and sister-in-law, Daniel and Starr Older of Battle Creek; his grandmothers, Mary Lou Vogt, Marion Wortley and Virginia Older; four aunts, three uncles, several cousins and their families.

Brad was shy growing up, but became an outgoing, easy to meet young man. He loved the outdoors, kayaking with friends, camping and sitting around campfires. Brad will always be remembered for being available to help a friend, raising a beer, his smile and his tank tops.

Brad's family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, May 31, 2019 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. A funeral service to celebrate Brad's life will be held at the funeral home Saturday, June 1, 2019, at 11:00 am with Pastor Mark S. Lipscomb officiating.

Military honors will be presented by Fort Custer Honor Guard at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at Fort Custer National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Brad's family request that memorial contributions may be payable to: "Student Veterans of America at WMU", Western Michigan University 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5303; or donations may be made online by going to https://wmich.edu/military/events. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.