James Bradley DePriest, lovingly known as Brad, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2023, at the age of 67, surrounded by his family in his Saint Louis home. He shared a loving and devoted marriage with Maureen (Lynn) DePriest for 38 wonderful years and was a proud and caring father to Ann (Andy) Bobst and Tom DePriest.
Brad was born in Cape Girardeau, MO, on July 18, 1956, to James G. DePriest (deceased) and Lee Anna (Hartle) and grew up alongside his siblings, Scott DePriest and Michelle (David) Bray.
Brad’s life was marked by his unwavering dedication to the Delta Chi fraternity, where he served as the SEMO Chapter president and even began his post college career as a Field Secretary for their National Office. He cherished the lifelong bonds and friendships formed through his fraternity, and spearheaded the coordination of the annual Float Trip, which recently celebrated its 47th year.
Brad’s career was as eclectic as his interests, ranging from working alongside his father in the food brokerage business to his stints as a computer engineer and technical sales professional. He served the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the St. Louis Board of Public Service, and held the role of Network Administrator at St. Louis City Hall.
A Mardi Gras fan who knew how to laissez les bons temps rouler, Brad was the Krewe Chief of the Bodacious Bead Blasters for over 20 years, where his krewe regularly came in the coveted “4th place” in the Saint Louis Grand Parade. His love of revelry continued year-long, as Brad was known to all those in his life as a cocktail aficionado and BBQ master, and he loved to host family and friends as often as possible.
Brad’s love for adventure extended to his passion for Mustangs. He relished the wind in his hair during top-down road trips up Route 3 with Maureen, fondly referred to as the “Midwest Coast Highway,” and had a knack for discovering hidden gems along Missouri’s back roads.
Music was an integral part of Brad’s life, and his wide-ranging taste spanned all genres. His home was always filled with the sounds of KDHX Community Radio, and he attended numerous live concerts – with Bruce Springsteen being a particular favorite, having seen him perform an impressive 13 times. He particularly loved the Springsteen lyric, “It ain’t no sin to be glad you’re alive.”
Brad was a passionate, solution-oriented person and served his community by volunteering on several boards and projects, including the Mississippi Bluffs HOA, the Tower Grove East Neighborhood Association, and the Bishop DuBourg High School board to name a few.
James Bradley DePriest’s zest for life, warm heart, and unwavering loyalty to his family and friends will be deeply missed. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
May he rest in eternal peace, forever riding the open road with the top down and the music playing.
Services: Visitation at Kutis South City Chapel on Thursday, October 26th from 4-8pm. A funeral mass will be held at 10am Friday, October 27th at the Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France (Old Cathedral), 209 Walnut Street, St. Louis, MO, 63102. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Bishop DuBourg High School in Brad’s honor.
I am so sorry for your loss. Brad was a kind, considerate and very patient man who helped many of us at the City. He had a great smile and an infectious laugh. Sending hugs!
I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers of healing for your broken hearts.
God has snagged a good one—way to early for all who knew and loved Brad.
The Delta Chi yearly float trip will not be the same for sure (and should not be the same without Brad). We all love you Brad and thank God how you touched so many.
I’m truly sorry to hear about the passing of Brad DePriest. Please accept my deepest condolences during this difficult time. His presence and contributions to the lives of those who knew him will be sorely missed. May you find comfort in the cherished memories and the legacy he leaves behind. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
A one of a kind communicator, friend and brother. You will be missed!!
I am so very sorry, Maureen, Ann, and Tom!! Please know of prayers from my family for all of you and peace in knowing Brad’s battle is over❤️🙏
Beth, Leo, Maria, and Arianna Bartolotta
Brad was President of the SEMO Delta Chi Chapter when I served as Secretary and he was a really great leader to us gang of excessively fun loving guys. I admire Brad for his lifelong dedication to our Brotherhood, and his ability to keep us “bonded.” God bless him, his family and those of us who loved and respected him as a friend and Brother. ITB Brad, until we meet again.
My sincere condolences to the Depreist family. Brad will be missed at the float trip, concerts, and at variolous Delta Chi functions He was a true leader and valued friend. St Paul wrote in Philippians 1:21 “for me to live is Christ, to die is gain.”
Brad was a gentle and jubilant soul. A direct pipeline to soulfulness. This news is devastating.
My deepest condolence to the Depriest family. Brad will be missed at the float trip, concerts, and at various Delta Chi functions. He was a blessing to me, a leader, faithful friend, and Delta Chi brother. Saint Paul wrote in Philippians 1:21 “for me to live is Christ, to die is gain” .
My life is so blessed to have crossed paths with his, and for 47 years I’ve been honored to be his friend. Brad, my friend, today you got your wings, and now everyday, at any hour, it’s Martini time! Cheers to a life you lived so well! Love you forever! ❤️
I’m truly grateful to have had the privilege of having Brad as a dear friend for many years. I pray that God bless and comfort the family, relatives, friends, and all who are grieving the loss of Brad, a man that celebrated life
I’m truly grateful to have had the privilege of having Brad as a dear friend for many years.
I have no words at this time, just an empty sadness.
I am deeply sorry for your devastating loss. I hope with time you are able to find peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you at your time of grief.
Dear Maureen, Ann and Tom –
Brad was a wonderful, creative and generous friend and board member at Bishop DuBourg High School. I’ll always remember the most original fundraising event we had at the Archbishop’s house which featured a pianist from New Orleans, bartenders from Soulard and a WSJ writer who wrote a piece on the first cocktail party in StL being at 4510 Lindell.
May God give joy and rest to Brad’s lovely soul!
I’m so very sorry to hear of Brad’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with my long-time friend Maureen and Brad’s family. May he rest in eternal peace. May all the beautiful memories he left with you give you strength through this most difficult time.
I cried seeing his photo and reading his obituary. So well written and representing him brought more tears to my face.
Two days ago I did something to my left knee and cannot walk or even stand so I cannot travel.
My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family.
He will be truly, truly missed.
I’m very sorry for Brad’s passing. I really enjoyed working next to Brad in abutting offices for many years at City Hall. He was always smiling, witty, and talented with his IT skills. Rest in peace my friend!
Sincere condolences for family & friends.
We are beyond heartbroken to hear of Brad’s passing. We throughly enjoyed our fun neighborly “over the fence” and front sidewalk talks since moving in next door, back in 2009. He was always generous-kind-light hearted & full of neighborhood “info” that has always been appreciated. God gifted us a one of a kind neighbor (and neighbors including Mo & Nana) who will be sorely missed. Rest in peace Brad-throw some beads our way for Mardi Gras & we will always remember you when spotting a burgundy convertible mustang (especially one driving by playing The Boss’ tunes)!!! With so much love & appreciation…always.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Brad sounds like an amazing man. I’ll keep all of you in my prayers.
Dear Dr. Mo, Ann, and Tom,
Dieter and I are so sorry to hear of Brad’s passing. Actually, more like in shock. He was a great friend and neighbor, with several shared interests: cocktails, grilling, cocktails, rib cook-offs, more drinks, Mardi Gras, creole- Cajun food…the list goes on. We wish you peace and serenity in the coming days and months. We know how much he will be missed.
I am truly sorry to hear of the passing of Brad, dear husband and father. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. May he rest in peace. Special prayers with you, Maureen.
Together in prayer and the hope of the Resurrections. May God’s grace embrace you and your loved ones.
I am so very sorry to hear of Brad’s passing. Your family has been, and will remain in my prayers. God rest his soul!
Holding you all in prayer. What a good man Brad was.
My deepest condolences,
Emily Roth
I did not know Brad in his adult life, but as a high school boy who became a buddy in some of our shared classes. Always kind, he was soft-spoken then, and very intelligent, with a wry & witty sense of humor I truly appreciated. We shared a couple of jokes between us that only required one to throw out key words to make the other burst into laughter – which he seemed to enjoy doing at “inconvenient” moments. Your tribute here to the wonderful life Brad led glows with the love that clearly surrounds him. Your Family has my Deepest Sympathy in this profound loss.
So sorry to hear this. I worked with Brad at the City and he was one of my favorite people. My condolences to his family!
My prayers to you and your family!
Maureen, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Maureen, i am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers
Dearest DePriest Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have not seen Brad for a very long time but he was my friend at Bishop Du Bourg. I was the one lucky girl that got to hang with the best group of guys I have ever had the pleasure to know. They were my Big Bang Theory guys. Trust me I was no Penny and nowhere as smart as Amy, but we all fit. Brad, Victor, Steve, Jerry, Jay, Tim, Joe and me. (If I forgot anyone, I apologize) I was the square peg. We laughed and drove over to Illinois. They didn’t make fun of my size or looks and they were all kind and respectful. We listened to music and I would listen as they talked about log rhythms and engineering. They were smart and funny, they made my teenage years and some college years my best years. I had a 67 robin egg blue Ford Mustang that I would drive my SEMO friends back to their dorms before curfew after the weekend. Brad never forgave me for taking it to Earl Schieb for the $99.00 paint special. I had it painted Midnight Blue Sapphire Sparkle. He was a kind boy and young man always.
I just wanted to say how sorry I am that the world lost such an amazing man. I was very fortunate to have shared a part of my life with that group of guys. Luckily, I am still in contact and friends with a couple of them.
I would like to say thank you to Brad for making a misfit girl feel worthy of such a wonderful friend, for always being kind and making me smile. Thank you Brad! The world would be a better place if there were more people like you. I am sorry I never got to tell you in person.
Again, my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Brad was a great guy and leader/role model for Delta Chi. From his obit, it is clear that he lived a rich, generous life dedicated to others. Also, he had a lot of fun while doing it. To his immediate family and his IBT brothers, please know our memories will sustain us and give comfort and smiles. My deepest condolences.
I’m grateful for the privilege of having had Brad as a friend for many, many years. May God bless, comfort , and console the family, his relatives, his friends and acquaintances, and all those that are grieving. Rest in peace in eternal heavenly bliss.
Brad’s wonderful laugh and fun-loving smile was one of the first welcoming greetings I had when I started working as an NSO in TGE. Brad and Mo were a big reason why I bought my first home in their beloved TGE neighborhood. He taught me a lot about the neighborhood, the City and most importantly, of being a good friend and a wonderful person! Such an untimely, devastating loss. He will be truly missed! My heart goes out to Mo, Ann, Tom and the entire family.
“James Bradley DePriest’s zest for life, warm heart, and unwavering loyalty to his family and friends will be deeply missed. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Well said.
Mississippi Bluffs Neighbors
So sorry for your loss. Brad was very kind and helpful for me when I first started working for the City, and I’ll always be thankful for that.
Maureen, prayers for you and your family with the loss of your dear husband and father.
Judi Oliver
My deepest sympathies. Brad was a dear, dear friend from High School and he was truly one of a kind. RIP my Friend
Wow. Gone, but not forgotten. Too many memories. The most were of every New Years Eve, out in the sticks of Gasconade County, after we moved the party from Crittenden Street.. We collectively, Mo and Cheryl, had a blast.
Brad of course was the mixologist. He did his job superbly. He also would make the Cowboy Rib-eyes. Yum yum. Or maybe some other specialty BBQ.
I miss brother B-Rad. I also love you, and do hope you visit someday when we least expect it.
John Fillion
The Pope of Crittenden
To the DePriest family, you have my sincere condolences. Brad was a very special person. He was a leader. He was innovative. He was intelligent. He was kind. Most of all he was my friend and fraternity brother. Rest in peace. You will be missed!
Maureen & Family,
We are very sorry for the loss of your life loving soulmate.
May God grant him eternal rest.
Dear Maureen,
I am so sorry to learn of Brad’s passing into eternal life; yet, at the same time, grateful he (and you) are relieved of his pain and struggle. I have made a donation to Bishop DuBourg High School in memory of Brad as per the information I have received regarding the family’s wishes. Please be assured of my continuing thoughts and prayers for you and your family as you continue to grieve your loss and all you have been through.
Maureen, and family.
So sorry to hear about Brad. My memories are of him at St. Francis de Sales, and Notre Dame Elementary.
Prayers for all of you. May Brad rest in peace.
Now you know the secret.
Maureen, I am sorry to learn of Brad’s passing. In everything he’s put his mind and energy into, I’ve found Brad to be full of passion. You and Brad were the dynamic duo. He left a wonderful legacy for everyone to celebrate.