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Published May 15, 2011 - Iola, KS

Robert Lee "Bob" Bradford of Iola, Kansas passed away May 14, 2011, at his home.

Bob was born November 7, 1921, near Groesbeck, Texas, the son Isaac Eve and Beulah Tabor Bradford.

He was born four minutes after his twin sister Stella, the seventh of fourteen children. His parents lived near Groesbeck, Texas on a cotton farm. When he was seven months old the family crossed the Red River and went into Oklahoma near Durham. Times were hard and the children left school early to pick cotton. When he was sixteen, he joined the CCC and later the WPA to help the family. He was eager to learn each new task and was soon able to get a job for himself.

In 1942, he was drafted into service during World War II. He served in the 381st bomb group in the Army Air Force. The base was near Cambridge, England, where he met his first wife Ann Brookland.

He married Ann after his honorable discharge. They lived in Wichita where he worked for Boeing, OA Sutton, and was supervisor of maintenance in the school district. She preceded him in death of Lou Gehrigs disease.

He moved to Emporia, KS, where he married Dorothy Rowlands. She preceded him in death in 2002.

He farmed and worked as an electrician at Wolf Creek Nuclear Plant while it was being built.

In 2004, he married Lois Lindsey from Iola, KS. They lived in the Emporia area. They enjoyed dancing and met many new friends. In 2010, his health began to fail and they moved back to Iola.

He is survived by his wife of the home; two step-daughters, Denise Byrd of Iola, KS and Brenda Braynard of Emporia, KS; three step-grandchildren; eight step-great grandchildren; a sister, Martha Brigham of Kerrville, TX; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members.

He was a loving husband and family man.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, May 18, 2011, at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola, KS. Chaplain Lloyd W. Houk will officiate. Burial will be in Logue Cemetery east of LeRoy, Kansas.

Memorial gifts suggested to The Robert L. Bradford Memorial Fund, and may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements.

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