Kenneth Maurice Bradford

Kenneth Maurice Bradford [86] died of natural causes on March 27, 2015 in Paradise Valley, Arizona. He was born September 23, 1928 at home in Fort Worth, Texas to Bettye Alma (French) Bradford and Bennett Roe Bradford. His father Bennett Roe Bradford divorced his mother Bettye French in 1937 when Kenneth was only nine years old leaving the family of six without any means of supporting themselves during the great depression. His mother, Bettye struggled to keep food on the table for Kenneth, his three brothers and sister during very hard times. Kenneth worked from the age of nine years old to help his single mother raise and provide for the family of six. Kenneth graduated from R. L. Paschal High School in June 1946. The next day he joined the Navy. While in the Navy he sent money home to his mother that was matched dollar-for-dollar by the Navy. He enjoyed his time on the USS Springfield, a CL66 Class Cruiser where he worked as an electrical engineer in the Navy. He was a veteran of WWII and discharged honorably in San Diego, CA in 1948 as Navy 3rd Class Petty Officer, Kenneth M. Bradford. He was a Mason [42 Degrees] rising to the level of Shriner. He stated that the Navy and the Mason’s taught him how to be an honorable man, husband and father. He was a patriotic man and loved his country. He spent his working career at Bell Helicopter in Hurst, Texas and in Milan, Italy. He loved every day at Bell Helicopter. He loved the three years spent in Italy with Agusta Helicopters. After 39 years [1954 to 1993] he retired to be home with the love of his life, Billie Jean Bradford. During their lives Ken and Billie also owned two Baskin Robbins Ice Cream stores in Hurst and Fort Worth, Texas during the 1960’s and 70’s. He attended college on the GI Bill at North Texas Agriculture College (NTAC) in the late 1940’s which is now The University of Texas at Arlington. He is survived by his wife, Billie Jean Bradford [85], Kevin Bradford [59], Kirby Bradford [62], and five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He was truly an authentic man, conservative, honest, smart and hard working. He loved his wife more than life itself. He was proud of his two sons. Ken and Billie retired to Scottsdale, AZ and Las Vegas, Nevada for many years. Recently they moved in with their youngest son, Kevin Bradford of Paradise Valley, AZ. Kenneth will be remembered as a kind man caring for his wife, family and his pets. He considered his vows seriously. Everyone that met him liked him. He was not a material man and was selfless in his concerns for others. A religious ceremony was held April 4, 2015 at Ascension Lutheran Church in Paradise Valley, AZ. Military Funeral Honors will be held at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery on Point Loma in San Diego, CA on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at 11:00 AM. Memorial services will be held the same day at 12:30 PM at Cabrillo National Monument overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Any friends and family are welcome to attend. His remains will be inurned at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego, CA. God bless Kenneth Maurice Bradford!