July 1, 1946 ~ September 30, 2019
Stephen Allen Bradford, known to everyone as Steve, was born July 1, 1946 in Las Vegas, Nevada to A.G. and Elizabeth (Palmer) Bradford. Steve passed away on Monday, September 30, 2019 at his home in Baron, Oklahoma. He was 73 years old.
Steve served as a Green Beret during the Vietnam conflict, leaving the Army as a 1st Lieutenant. He was patriotic and deeply loved his country.
He worked as Director of the Bill Willis Skill Center in Tahlequah and later retired as a therapist in Stilwell.
Steve was a sweet, quiet, deeply loving man. He was highly intelligent. During his pastimes he enjoyed history, classical literature, watching old BBC British movies and collecting rock spheres. Steve had such a soft heart and could not stand to see anyone in pain. He also had such a great sense of humor. He always dreamed of climbing Mt. Everest. He was known for introducing the joy of rappelling, nature and hiking to others. He enjoyed the mountains and the ocean. However, Baron was always home.
He liked living near his siblings and extended family. He enjoyed classical music, Johnny Mathis, the Beatles and Andrea Bocelli. He loved Christmas. He would start making his famous British Christmas pudding as early as July to prepare for the holidays. The Christmas tree went up in November and didn’t come down until early February. Why? He loved the thoughts and meaning behind Christmas.
He was an outstanding cook and he treasured having his family and kids coming over for a meal, visiting and just being together. He loved his wife (who he called, “My Beautiful Redhead”) his children and his future grandbaby, He was 100% always supportive and protective. He loved back roads drives with Brenda, going exploring, taking pictures and sitting on the back-yard swing, petting all their puppy dogs
Steve is preceded in death by his parents A.G. Bradford and Betty Bradford, and one brother Eddie Bradford.
He is survived by his wife Brenda of the home, daughter Tannis of Bartlesville, stepsons Billy Wayne and Ashlee Cochran of Peavine, Jacob Cochran and Amber of Pryor. Siblings: two brothers David of Ft. Smith, Ark., Mark and Connie of Baron, two sisters Kitty and Wayne Collins of Baron, and Barbie and Ronnie Martin of Baron, along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A Memorial Gathering was held Saturday, October 5, 2019 at the Steve and Brenda Bradford residence in Baron. Arrangements handled by Roberts and Hart Funeral Home, Westville