WARREN – Vernon Bradeen, Jr., 51, died unexpectedly, surrounded by his loving family, early, Friday, January 12, 2018.

Born in Bangor, December 19, 1966, he was the only boy out of six children born to Vernon, Sr. and Eloise Covey Bradeen. Educated locally, he was a graduate of Hampden Academy.

Leaving high school, Vern enlisted in the U.S. Army where he was proud to have completed his infantry training. For four years he was stationed at Ft. Benning, Georgia, before being honorably discharged.
Returning to the Mid-Coast area, Vernon held several different jobs before beginning employment at Johnson’s Sporting Goods. While working there he met Dawn Pease. Dawn and Vernon were married on September 5, 1998. Together they raised two children, Brian and Abigail.

For over 13 years, Vernon was employed with Shepard Automotive in the service department. He has also put his mechanic skills to good use, working at V.I.P. in Rockland. For a brief time he worked with Richard Warner at Boulder Hill Woodworking, and most recently for Les Murray Builders.

Throughout his life, Vernon has been extremely active in the Boy Scouts of America. Working his way through the program, he became a Scout Master for Troop 254 in Warren. Over the years he has mentored countless boys, leading 13 of them to become Eagle Scouts, including his own son. His children said the scouts were his second family. Outdoor activities were some of his favorite pastimes. Going hunting, fishing and camping with his family were always high on his list. He enjoyed racing his race car at Wiscasset Speedway, as well as boxing in an amateur league, even winning a Golden Glove Championship. His wife said he was a man of many traits.

Most important to Vernon was his family. He loved nothing more than spending time with them and having them by his side. He will be sadly missed by all who loved him.

Predeceased by his parents; and two sisters, Rose Harriman, Verna Bradeen; Vernon is survived by his wife, Dawn Bradeen of Warren; his children, Brandon Bradeen of Prospect; Brian Bradeen, Abigail Bradeen both of Warren; his parents-in-law Willard ‘Skip’ and Sherry Pease of Spruce Head; his sisters, Wanda Huntley of Hampden, Del Peters of Milo, Florence Lyford of Frankfort; and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to visit from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 18, 2017 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. A celebration of his life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 19, 2018 at the Second Congregational Church of Warren, 220 Main Street, Warren. Interment will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Boy Scouts of America, Troop 254, c/o Damariscotta Bank and Trust, 289 Camden Road, Warren, Maine 04864.