Edward Bradford

Edward Alonzo Bradford, 93, passed to his heavenly home on June 10, 2014, at 4:29 a.m., with Barbara, his wife of 39 1/2 years, and family members at his side. Edward was born on May 10, 1921, in Traverse City, to Francis C. and Edith (Norris-Ames) D. Bradford.

Edward was brother to Richard (Phyllis) Bradford, Robert (Barbara W.) Bradford, Frances (Robert) Neeley, Harry (Carol) Bradford and Barbara Lee (Merle) Barkalow. Barbara Lee survives, along with Phyllis. Edward also leaves a special sister-in-law, Beverly J. Dahlman, of Westland.

Edward graduated from Central High School in 1940.

Married to his grade school sweetheart, Angeline Lewis, he answered the call to serve his country in the U.S. Army and fought in the battles of the Philippines, New Guinea and Japan. He earned both citations and medals for service and injuries received.

After his return, Edward continued working at the C & O Railroad, but stress led him to a new job at Traverse City Canning Co., where he worked for more than 32 years as production and plant superintendent until 1979.

Edward and Angeline raised a son, Michael Edward (Linda Brobeck) Bradford, born in 1946; and a daughter, Kathlene Louise (Kenneth) Marks, born in 1948. Angeline passed away in December 1973.

Edward had a special gift of love to share with the three daughters of his best friend, who died very early in life. He was their "Special Uncle Ed" and shared graduations, walking the new brides down the aisle and births. Shirley Slaught, Kathlene Bunce and Nancy Lipscomb and their families are a part of our families.

Ed remarried on Dec. 9, 1974; Barbara and Edward increased the family size adding Barbara's children, Tari Andrea Laurell (James) Kibby, Cindy Laurell and Scot Douglas (Mary Beth) Laurell, when they married. Edward enjoyed the five children and their spouses, his 17 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.

Ed and Barbara enjoyed traveling in later years throughout the United States and Europe. They moved to Port St. Lucie, Fla., part-time for 10 years and returned to Michigan full-time in 1999.

Ed joined the F & A Mason Cornerstone Lodge #386 on March 14, 1984, and became the first "Raised Master" of his lodge on June 6, 1988.

After returning to Michigan and settling in Bellaire, Ed again saw an opportunity to be involved for good and the area seniors' drive to build again caught his attention. This time interacting with the Commission on Aging, the new building became the final home for seniors in Antrim County. He served as a board member and as chairman for more than 15 years. The fruit of his labor indeed proved the worth of all involved. As Edward saw his health needs increasing, he moved aside but never did his health let his interest subside.

Through repeated hospital visits and increasing needs, Edward was moved to Meadowbrook Medical Care Facilities on May 27, 2014. His family can only express the care and vigilance given to Edward and his family has been indeed a rock of strength for us and our deepest thanks with God's blessing to each of you who tended to him.

Cremation has taken place with the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. There will be a "Memorial Service and Sharing of his Memory" at a luncheon at the Commission on Aging in Bellaire on Tuesday, June 24, from 2 to 4 p.m. Interment will take place privately at a later date.

We ask friends and family to please consider donations you may wish to make be addressed to "Respite Care" of the Commission on Aging, Bellaire, Envelopes will be available at the memorial service.