Obituaries

Gary L. Bradford

February 10th, 1941 – September 10th, 2023

Gary L. Bradford joined his bride in heaven on Sunday, September 10, 2023 at 2 pm at his home in Sparland, IL. He was born on February 10, 1941 to Jack Lawrence Bradford and Helen Francis Lee Spencer Bradford in Bardolph, IL. Gary graduated from Bardolph High School in 1959. He went on to further his education at Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL, graduating in 1965 with a Bachelors degree in Education. After meeting Carol Elaine Weaver, they married on November, 24, 1962. Gary taught industrial arts and building trades at Mattoon High School and at VIT High School in the early years. He also coached at VIT High School. Gary then went on to farm and owned a construction company while raising his young family. Gary retired as a field engineer representative on large projects such as prisons, jails, high schools, and federal buildings.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Helen Bradford; his younger siblings Jerry Lynn Bradford and Donna Kay Gibboney; his wife Carol Elaine Weaver Bradford and his youngest son, Shane Dolphin Bradford.

Surviving Gary are his two children Shawn (Donna Butcher) Bradford of Abingdon, IL and Shan Bradford Waid of Galesburg, IL; Grandchildren - Christen (Brian) Parks of Table Grove, IL; Colten (Libby Bair) Bradford of Springfield, IL; Jordan (Jenna Tranell) Bradford of Tulsa, OK; Emmaline Waid of Plainfield, IL; Lucy Waid of Galesburg, IL. Great grand-daughters Delaney and Everly Parks of Table Grove, IL. and his best pal and “huntin’ buddy”, Roscoe.

Gary was an exceptional basketball player, excelled in music, enjoyed various arts, and was a meticulous craftsman in his carpentry and creating furniture. He loved fishing at Kentucky Lake and in Hayward, WI and took his grandkids along. Gary was an avid hunter and conservationist loving all nature had to offer.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Playground Fund at Vermont Christian Church, 100 W 3rd Street, Vermont, IL 61484.

Condolences

September 14th, 2023

To the family and friends of Gary please accept our sympathy at his passing. We are praying for you to feel God's love and comfort during this difficult time. Rodney and Theresa Keefauver

September 14th, 2023

We are so very sorry to hear of Gary's passing, especially after the loss of Carol so recently. Our prayers are for all the Bradford family, may God give you comfort as you go through this most difficult time. Know that others do care; we are only two of them. John & Sandy Bybee

September 14th, 2023

We are so very sorry to hear of Gary's passing, especially after the loss of Carol so recently. Our prayers are for all the Bradford family, may God give you comfort as you go through this most difficult time. Know that others do care; we are only two of them. John & Sandy Bybee

September 14th, 2023

We are so sorry for you loss, Gary and Carol were good friends and will be missed by all who knew them. Joe Hughes and Donalie Colwell.

September 15th, 2023

To my cousins Shawn Bradford and Shan Waid...my heart breaks at the loss of your parents in this short time frame. But, oddly, their passing brings a sense of peace that our families are reunited in God's paradise. My love and condolences as always. Janis Robinson and family.

September 15th, 2023

Our sincere condolences to Gary's family. I was fortunate to be on the receiving end of his teachings, from high school to working for him building homes to my introduction into Lodge. Rest well Gary.
Michael and Tammy Martin

September 17th, 2023

Shan and all of the family we send our sincere condolences. We are praying for all of you at this time that is so hard. Dave & Sandie Murphy

September 20th, 2023

Our sincere condolences to Gary's family. I had the opportunity for many years to work with Gary on many different projects. Jane & George Beckman