Robert Bradford

Robert Bradford succeeded in life in the ways that mattered most. He was very devoted to his family, committed to his community and dedicated to his work. His easy-going nature and genuine character endeared him to many, and his generosity made life good for those around him.

Robert was born in Schoolcraft, Michigan to Calvin and Mildred (Curry) Bradford on November 24, 1921. At that time, the nation was recovering from the First World War and straining to rebuild its economy. By the end of the decade, stock markets fell and countries around the world experienced long years of economic depression. Like others of his generation who survived a financial crisis and a second brutal world war, Robert was shaped by the values of duty and sacrifice that put him in the company of others who have been called “The Greatest Generation.”

Bob grew up working on the family farm and after high school also worked at Shakespeare's in Kalamazoo. After graduating from Mattawan High School in 1939, he served in the U.S. Army as a surgical technician. He was stationed in England during World War II and rose to the rank of corporal, serving his country with honor.

Returning from military duty, Bob again worked on the family farm and began dating Mary Jane Estes. They dated for three years and were married on September 30, 1950 at the Schoolcraft Methodist Church. They settled into married life on a farm on West U Avenue and worked hard to provide a good home and education for their children.

Bob started off with little and built the family farm into a successful operation through hard work and perseverance. Though he later purchased some John Deere products, Bob was a true “Farmall man,” keeping every tractor he owned—working them rigorously and replacing them only when he could afford an upgrade. In this way, his equipment represented him: hard working and dependable.

During the winter months when farm work lulled, Bob once again worked at Shakespeare, a reputable manufacturer of sporting goods since 1898. He contributed to his community as a member of the Farm Bureau and the American Legion, as a 4-H leader and a Justice of the Peace. He and Mary Jane also maintained a large garden that supplied family and friends with bounty at harvest time.

Bob’s contribution to his community was an extension of his dedication to his family. His life was rich with the joy of six wonderful children—Tom, Diane, Marcia, Bill, Doug and Andy—and nine grandchildren. He never missed a sporting event or school activity for any of his kids and grandkids, and they enjoyed their annual visits to his pumpkin patch to pick a pumpkin for Halloween. These simple joys of time with family, or gathering around the dinner table for steak and potatoes, or treating one another with ice cream and popcorn were all part of the “good” life that Bob enjoyed for 90 years.

Bob’s loving family was by his side when he passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 22, 2012. They will cherish their father, grandfather, brother and friend as a man of kindness and dignity.

Robert Vern Bradford, age 90 of Schoolcraft, Michigan, was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Mary Jane, and his son William Robert. He is survived by son Thomas (Sandra) of Portage, daughter Diane (Dennis) Pound of Vicksburg, daughter Marcia (Michael) Strong of Gulf Shores, Ala., son Douglas (Debbie) of Midland and son Andrew (Kirsten) of Rochester, and nine grandchildren: Jessica and Nathan Strong of Gulf Shores, Alabama; Kimberly and Jay Pound of Vicksburg, Seth, Lauren and Anna Bradford of Midland and Ryan and Kate Bradford of Rochester. He is also survived by his sisters, Marion Porter and Margaret Folkers, both of Kalamazoo.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 4 to 7 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main St. in Vicksburg (269-649-1697). Funeral services will be held on Wednesday 2 PM at the same location. Pastor Sandy Elfring will officiate the service. Burial at Schoolcraft Cemetery.

Please visit Robert’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can sign his memory book online. Those who wish may make a memorial donation to Rose Arbor Hospice or the Kalamazoo County 4H Leaders Council.