On September 1, 2023 we were notified of the passing of Ed Brady, '60 on the night of August 31, 2023. Ed, a strong and loyal supporter of Boys Town and the Alumni Association, never forgot the value of his days at Boys Town and endeavored, in all that he did, to live a life of grace and giving. In that regard he was tremendously successful. He was a dedicated family man and raised a beautiful family with his beloved wife, Norma. Ed's leadership, compassion, and commitment to the ideals of Father Flanagan and Boys Town will long be felt in all who knew, worked for and with him, and loved him.
The narrative, below, of the Father Flanagan Distinguished Alumnus Award that was presented to Ed Brady at the 36th Biennial Reunion on July 22, 2023 is reflective of his many accomplishments . The link to Ed's remarks upon the occasion of being named the recipient of this presitigious award: Acceptance Remarks
The narrative, below, of the Father Flanagan Distinguished Alumnus Award that was presented to Ed Brady at the 36th Biennial Reunion on July 22, 2023 is reflective of his many accomplishments . The link to Ed's remarks upon the occasion of being named the recipient of this presitigious award: Acceptance Remarks
The Father Flanagan Distinguished Alumnus Award
Colin E. “Ed” Brady, ‘60
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olin E. “Ed” Brady, Class of 1960, arrived at Boys Town on January 15, 1953 following his two brothers Gerald, ’58 and James, ’58 who had come to Boys Town two years earlier. While at Boys Town Brady was active in Boys Town’s program of self-government serving as a commissioner. He pursued an academic course of study, received a varsity letter in baseball and a minor letter in track. He was selected as the Scholar Athlete in baseball in 1960. Brady pursued an academic course in high school in preparation for college and, jumping into the business of finance, ran the student bank in his senior year.
olin E. “Ed” Brady, Class of 1960, arrived at Boys Town on January 15, 1953 following his two brothers Gerald, ’58 and James, ’58 who had come to Boys Town two years earlier. While at Boys Town Brady was active in Boys Town’s program of self-government serving as a commissioner. He pursued an academic course of study, received a varsity letter in baseball and a minor letter in track. He was selected as the Scholar Athlete in baseball in 1960. Brady pursued an academic course in high school in preparation for college and, jumping into the business of finance, ran the student bank in his senior year. Upon graduation Brady attended college at Loyola University – North Shore Campus in Chicago undertaking religious studies and pre-seminary courses. Due to a lack of funds to cover tuition and room and board, Brady made the decision to drop out of school and join the military. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in January of 1962 serving as a Military Policeman in Washington D.C. and several locations in Europe. He was honorably discharged in January of 1965.
Upon discharge from the Army, Brady, using the G.I. Bill, enrolled at Kent State University in Ohio and LaSalle University earning an Associates Degree in business. This foundation in business would be the driving force that propelled him into a number of key leadership and management positions culminating as President and Chief Executive Officer of Redneck Trailer, Inc., a manufacturer of trailers and trailer parts in Springfield, Missouri, from 1993 to 2012. Brady is currently President and Owner of the Brady Consulting Group. He was elected to the board of the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers and served as their Marketing Chairman as well as serving on their Convention Committee.
Brady made it a practice to be involved with each of the communities he lived in while working. With his baseball background, while working and living in Chatham, Illinois, he became involved with American Legion Baseball first as a head coach and then as Chairman of the American Legion Baseball organization, taking his 1988 team to the American Legion World Series. He served as Treasurer of the Park Board in Chatham, Illinois and Vice President of the Dunlap, Illinois Park Board during his time in that State.
Upon moving to Springfield, Missouri to join the Redneck Trailer team, Brady, reaching back to his Boys Town experience served on the board of Boys Town & Girls Town of Missouri for a number of years as he found a way to give back for the care that he received as a youth at Boys Town. It was during this time that he was elected to the Boys Town National Board of Trustees serving on the Finance & Audit Committee and the Development Committee. His Boys Town experience was a contributing factor to the policy decisions during that time on the board. Brady was nominated to represent the Boys Town National Alumni Association on the Father Flanagan League Society of Devotion and served in that capacity from 2012 to 2018 as the League worked to advance the cause for canonization of our beloved founder. He is also a Lifetime Member of the Boys Town National Alumni Association and their Kansas City Chapter and a regular attendee at alumni reunions.
Brady has also served on the board of Vision Insurance as Vice President. He is a member of the Parents Television Council advocating for safer television programming for children, served on the Springfield-Branson National Airport Board serving as Chairman from 2010-2011. He is presently supporting the Catholic Charities of Southwest Missouri through work assistance to needy families or individuals, making cash and in-kind donations and providing consulting support.
Brady’s lifetime commitment to helping others both by action and example represent the best in our Boys Town alumni and fulfills the charge that Father Flanagan gave long ago to his boys and that was to go out, live your faith and contribute to your community and those around you. Ed Brady has done this and is worthy of receiving the Father Flanagan Distinguished Alumnus Award.
He and his wife Norma have been married for 55 years and have six children.
Link to Ed's obituary. His funeral services were held on September 6, 2023. Obituary