Robert “Bob” Howard Bradford passed away peacefully from this life on July 25th 2020, with his loving daughter, Schelly at his side. Bob was born on March 4, 1944, to James Richard and Ruth Margaret Bradford in Ada, Oklahoma. Bob grew up in Oklahoma City where he attended Putnam City High School, graduate class of 1962. After graduating high school Bob attended Central State University in Edmond Oklahoma, where he studied Business. After college, he went to work for his uncle, Robert R. Bradford, from whom he was named after. Bradford and Nettleship Supply was a key air conditioning wholesale business in Oklahoma City, which Bob truly excelled at. Upon the death of his uncle, in the early 1970’s, Bob decided to purchase Bradford and Nettleship from his uncle’s widow. This in turn, led to the name Bradford Industrial Supply Corporation. The company grew rapidly, adding HVAC equipment as an important factor to the company. Bradford Industrial opened three more locations in Central and Western Oklahoma, including Enid, Lawton, and Shawnee. After 57 years, it’s still going strong. In November 1989, Mike Simons joined Bradford Industrial Supply. The two became very close friends and colleagues. Bob staffed over 35 employees over the years that loved and respected him. He was a man of great compassion and dignity. His greatest trait, was his unwavering Generosity. He was without hesitation willing to assist anyone during critical times in their lives. After retirement from Bradford Industrial Supply Corporation, in 2008, he opened Bradford Ink, Antiques and Collectables in Nichols Hills. He has always had a passion for Vintage Fountain pens, and a huge collection of antiques he acquired all over the world. Bob’s greatest hobby was gambling at various casinos in Oklahoma and Las Vegas. His luck knew no bounds when it came to the slot machines. Riverwind casino happened to be his favorite spot in Oklahoma, which he frequently visited. His winning streaks were as such, that his self-title was “The machine whisper." Bob will be truly missed by all that knew him, beyond measure.
Proceeding in death are his parents, James and Ruth Bradford, wife Jacqueline and son Russell Bradford. He is survived by his daughter, Schelly Leonard, husband Patrick of Moore, Oklahoma. Their two sons, Gatlin J. Leonard and Grasen P. Leonard. Other grandchildren, Sarah and Samantha Bradford. Brother, James “Rick” Bradford of Yukon, sister, Barbara Bradford Lasater and husband Doug of Stillwater, Oklahoma. Four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial Services are July 30th, 2020 at 11:00am at the Interment Chapel in the mausoleum of Resurrection Cemetery at 7801 N.W. Expressway in Okc, under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street and Draper Funeral Services. Condolences may be sent via online to the family and flowers to Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Services.
