Bradley (Brad) Wayne Kusik was born March 2, 1956 in Enid, Oklahoma, the fifth child of Lambert and Mary (Payne) Kusik. He died in his home outside Owasso with wife Kerry and family at his side on February 24, 2021.
On May 20, 1978, Brad and Kerry (Hudgeons) were married in Hennessey, OK after dating for several years. He graduated from Hennessey High School in 1974, and played college football at NWOSU, NEO, and OU before graduating from UCO in 1978. At NEO he was named as an All-American linebacker. He later completed his M.Ed. at SWOSU. Brad coached football and taught high school history at various schools around the state of Oklahoma. He finished his coaching career at Berryhill High School, winning the 3A state championship with his son, Kyle, as quarterback in 2004.
His coaching and teaching style affected so many young people in the state. Former students and athletes commented that he was an “engaging and memorable teacher” who “taught students to use their resources wisely” and that he was one who “made the world a better place.” Another student remembers very clearly his comment in a huddle, “faith, family, school, football,” as he tried to help everyone get their priorities right. He continued that philosophy by exhibiting a giving-spirit, assisting family and friends with their lawns or any project that required assistance.
His hobbies included gardening, and following OSU sporting events (especially football tailgating). He loved spending time with his granddaughters, watching Keelyn play soccer, and being involved with whatever his one-year-old granddaughter, Ellis Kae, was doing.
Brad was a member of the Stillwater United Methodist Church and a member of the Oklahoma Coaches Association. He was named as both Elgin High School and Berryhill Junior High Teacher of the Year.
He is survived by Kerry, his wife of 42 years; daughter Kayla and husband Kyle Casper of Owasso; son Kyle Kusik and wife Kylie, of Tulsa; granddaughters Keelyn Casper and Ellis Kae Kusik. Other survivors include brother Jeff Kusik and wife Donna of Greely, CO; brother Bill Kusik and wife Nita of Stillwater, OK; sister Julie Schaefer and husband Ron of Stillwater, OK; sister-in-law Rita Kusik of Laverne, OK; brother-in-law Ken Hudgeons and wife Jennifer of Stillwater, OK; sister-in-law Lori Palmer and husband Bob of Stillwater, OK; and sister-in-law Penny Hudgeons of Stillwater, OK. He leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews who loved him so.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lambert and Mary (Payne) Kusik, and his older brother, Kevin Kusik.
Memorial donations may be made to the Mayo Gift of Life House in Rochester, MN:
www.Gift-of-Life.org/make-a-donation
Pallbearers: King Goff, Clay Wyse, Pat Harper, Bill Pascoe, James Edwards, Tim Visneski, Larry Henry, Jeff Gazaway
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Funeral Service at First United Methodist Church
Stillwater, OK
1:00 p.m. Wednesday
March 3, 2021
Officiated by: Rev. Kyle Anderson
Interment (approximately 3:00 p.m.)
Hennessey Cemetery, Hennessey, OK