Bradford Pence, age 85 of Dallas, TX, passed away on December 29, 2020, due to complications from Covid-19. Known as “Brad”, he was loved and cherished by his family and host of friends that spanned a long and happy life. He was known by all to be friendly and kind, full of an irrepressible wit and the king of one-liners.
As the first grandchild, he was doted on during his early childhood in the Midwest. World War II brought changes and hardships to the young family that shaped Brad’s work ethic and a life-long commitment to responsible stewardship of his resources. As he moved from place to place, Brad found friendships through the local Scout chapters, and ultimately demonstrated his leadership and perseverance by earning the Eagle Scout rank.
Brad graduated from Benson High School in Omaha, Nebraska, (’53) and received his BBA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (’57). During his sophomore year of college, Brad met the love of his life, Irene Jean Rorick Pence. While in college, he served as President of the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Fraternity and as Vice President of his beloved Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He said that, through his fraternity, he learned the importance of bonding and being involved, as well as setting goals and working hard to achieve them. His bond with his fraternity brothers was strong and important to him his entire life. At graduation, he was honored to be recognized as the Distinguished Military Graduate.
Brad and Irene married on June 8, 1957. Shortly thereafter, he entered the US Air Force where he served as 1st Lieutenant and a Radar Intercept Officer for three years. After leaving the Air Force, they moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where Brad distinguished himself working in sales and management for Burroughs Corp. and Valley National Bank. During this time, he also spent his evenings pursuing graduate work at Arizona State University (Tempe). In 1972, he bought the St. Charles Kitchen dealership located in Dallas, Texas. Brad became a Certified Kitchen Designer, served on the St. Charles Kitchen Dealer Advisory Council, and throughout the years, excelled as a leader in sales - winning sales recognition trips to places such as Hawaii, the Caribbean and Europe. In 1975, he also acquired a shopping strip located on Lovers Lane, that he personally managed for 45 years. His family thrived in Dallas where Brad and Irene forged many important and lasting friendships. Brad served on the Board of Directors of Bent Tree Country Club, where he could be found on the tennis courts, the golf course or in the gym.
Brad was predeceased by his father D.D. Pence, his mother Helen Ann Pence Alspaugh, beloved mentor and step-father Glen Alspaugh, son Mark Bradford Pence, sister Ann Pence Glassco. Survived to enjoy his memory are his loving wife, Irene Rorick Pence, his daughters Laurie Pence Johansen and Lisa Pence Kittrell. His grandchildren include Keith, Kara and Kimmie Johansen, Taylor and Morgan Kittrell and Janelle Pence. He will also be missed by his brother Mark E. Pence, stepbrother Jim Alspaugh and stepsister Kay Alspaugh and many other cherished relatives.
Brad was a member of Highland Park United Methodist Church, an avid reader, a life-long learner and a sports enthusiast. Brad was known as the life-of-the-party and had an incredibly large, loving and supportive network of friends. His roles of husband, father and grandfather were core to his being and he found much joy in being with family and attending grandchildren’s games, activities and special events. The world has darkened a little without Brad Pence, but those who loved him will continue to carry his light.
A private family only memorial service will be held at 12 pm, January 13. You may attend the service virtually at https://youtu.be/14bpNHEk3jE
In lieu of flowers, the family has established the Brad Pence Pi Kappa Alpha Leadership Scholarship. To send a tribute gift online go to https://funraise.org/give/Pi-Kappa-Alpha-Foundation/d34b8750-801c-4054-84ec-c8ed8c7857c2 and select “other designated fund” and enter the scholarship name on giving form. Or you can mail a check to: PIKE Foundation, 8347 West Range Cove, Memphis, TN 38125. Please include “Brad Pence Leadership Scholarship” in the memo line of the check.
The family is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.
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