Cpl Bradley M. Waterman

Corporal Bradley M. Waterman, 21, died at 11:30 am on Saturday, February 14, 2009, as a result of injuries received in a motorcycle accident occurring on California State Route 76, just west of Ramona Drive, Bonsall, CA.  He was born on September 12, 1987, to Stephen B. and Donna L. (Moody) Waterman in Goshen, IN. He lived most of his life in Elkhart, IN. He is survived by one sister, Brittney (Ben) Hartman of Ft. Wayne, IN; one brother, Brian D. Waterman of Elkhart, IN; a maternal grandmother, Pauline R. Moody of Goshen; a paternal step-grandmother, Ruth Waterman of Redkey, IN; and his very special friend, Nikole “Nikki” Mullins of Statesboro, Georgia. Friends may call Monday, February 23, 2009 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 10:00 am at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. Pastor Brent Poe of the Beulah Missionary Church, Elkhart will be officiating. Burial will be at Violett Cemetery, Goshen. Memorials contributions can be made to USO (United States Organizations) Department WS, P.O. Box 96860, Washington, D.C. 20090-6860. Brad graduated in the top 20 students in his graduating class, was on the High Honor Roll at Elkhart Central High School, Class of 2006; where he had participated in the marching band all 4 years of high school, playing the tuba and the trumpet. During high school and after graduation he was employed with Perkins Restaurant in Elkhart where he was so fond of his co-workers and was so very well respected and loved by all his fellow employees. Despite opportunities for advancement at the restaurant, Brad enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in the Autumn of 2006, receiving his recruit training at MCRD, San Diego, CA; after “Boot Camp” and Basic Specialist Training as a helicopter mechanic, Brad was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA. In the Spring of last year he received orders for duty in Iraq, serving there from March until November 2008, where he celebrated his 21st birthday. After his return from Iraq, Bradley had been home on leave twice to share important and meaningful times with his family. In his early years Brad had displayed a special aptitude and competence working with tools and machinery. He could often be found working and tinkering with automotive mechanics. This talent and capability was recognized by the Marine Corps and well may have served as a basis for his designated duty working with the mechanics of USMC helicopters. Corporal Waterman was a devoted and dutiful Marine, faithful and loyal to its code of honorable service to our Country. He had dedicated himself to the highest standards and spirit of the United States Marine Corps. Cpl. Waterman was definitely a “Gung Ho” Marine. In his off-duty hours Bradley’s interest and skill with technical systems continued. He exhibited a keen photographer’s eye. His creative photographs of the natural world demonstrated a unique perception of subject and artistic angle uncommonly seen. Within his immediate family Brad was recognized as a master at the grill, preparing melt-in-your-mouth steaks for all those gathered. He was especially fond of preparing the “perfect steak” for his mother. Bradley’s character and constitution were moulded in a loving home, with those close family ties remaining a vital part of who he was as a loving son, brother, and friend.