Search

Age 76, went to be with his Lord Sunday, December 7, 2014 surrounded by family and friends. He was born March 8, 1938 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Loren D. & Frances A. (Koerner) Bradley.

Mearl grew up in Ferndale, and attended Spring Arbor University.  He earned his Bachelors at Greenville College and earned his Masters at Asbury Theological Seminary.  Mearl was pastor at Free Methodist Churches in Three Oaks, Charlotte, and Chelsea.  After retiring, he provided pastoral care at Jackson Free Methodist Church.  Mearl was Chaplain for the Michigan State Police for 36 years, where he did ride-alongs, death notifications, and debriefings.  He also volunteered at the Michigan State Police Academy.  Mearl volunteered at the fire department and started the ambulance service in Three Oaks, he was a member of the Kiwanis in Charlotte, and he was a charter member of the Chelsea Rotary Club.  Mearl was a member of Chelsea School's crisis response team, and did grief counseling for Cole Funeral Chapel.  He was an avid hunter and enjoyed spending time at his cabin.  To everything he did, Mearl brought his love for people and his love for Jesus.

On August 20, 1960, he married Joyce Buchner, and she survives. Other survivors include two sons, Rev. Jeff (Carol) Bradley of Chelsea, Jared (Krista) Bradley of Chelsea; 5 grandchildren, Rev.Jamin (Jodi), Jaron (Meredith), and Joel, Bryce and Makayla; one great-grandson, Beckett; a brother, Franklin (Ann) Bradley of Lapeer; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Barbara Millard.

Funeral services were held Thursday, December 11, 11:00 am at Jackson Free Methodist Church, 2829 Park Dr, Jackson, MI 49203. The family received friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Tuesday 1-4 & 6-9 pm and at the Jackson Free Methodist Church Wednesday 1-4 & 6-9 pm.  A private burial will be held at Rustford Cemetery near Morley, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Free Methodist Church building fund, PO Box 40, Chelsea, MI 48118 or the 1208 Greenwood Free Methodist Church, 1208 Greenwood, Jackson, MI  49203, pastored by his grandson, Jamin Bradley.

Please click here for Rev. Mearl's online guestbook.

You can watch Mearl's funeral on Youtube by clicking here