Charles Edward Bradford I

Charles Edward Bradford I, aka. “Paw Paw, Uncle Charles and Bad Brad” was born April 18, 1953, to Cesar Bradford Jr. and Lois Lillian (Butler) Bradford in DeWitt, Arkansas. There he accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at The Church of God in Christ. He began learning good work ethics at the early age of 14 with his uncle Doc for LA Black and various places.

Charles was a proud graduate of DeWitt High School class of 1971. He continued his education at Fort Wayne Ivy Tech studying Engineering.

Charles married the love of his life, Tremell “Sally” Medlock in 1976, and they spent 36 years together until her passing in 2012. Charles was blessed to be the father of 4 children. LuKesha Lois, Charles Edward II, Vincent White and April Tremell.

In 1978 he moved his young family to Fort Wayne, Indiana and began attending Gomez Temple AME Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Naomi Phillips until present. He continued his work ethics and began working for Wayne Feeds until its closure. He also worked for Maxwell Landscaping and later started at General Motors where he “Happily” retired in 2021.

Charles lived his life to the fullest. He played basketball, football and ran track in high school. Charles loved his family and friends dearly and treasured spending time with them. He traveled to visit his family all over the United States. He was an avid dominos, spades, poker & chess player. He would win them all. He loved his LA Lakers & Dallas Cowboys and would be upset if they did not win any Super Bowls. Charles loved to dance and was the life of any party he went to!!!

Charles leaves to cherish his memories and legacy of love his children, LuKesha Bradford and April Bradford both of Fort Wayne, Vincent (Monica) White of Stuttgart, Arkansas; grandchildren, DaVian Hamlet, Dominique Hackbarth, twins Michael & Miquel Ram, Mahalia Ram, Aizhane Milligan, Aliyah Bradford, Arion White, A’Zirea Howze, Adrian White and Ariana White; 11 great-grandchildren that were his heart; sisters, Theora “Duck” Bradford and Sherry Ann Bradford both of DeWitt, Arkansas; brothers, Cesar “Buddy” (Danita) Bradford Jr of Detroit, Michigan and Roger Louis Bradford of Tucker, Arkansas; sisters-in-law; Idell (Herman) Fowler and Terecice Sibley; brothers-in-law, Billy (Eileen) Randall and Kenneth (Kalisa) Fowler; and an aunt, Urabell Butler of Oakland, California; godchildren, D’Andre Wright, Jamartre’ Fowler, Everen Akison, Takiyah Lake and Davonna Wright all of Fort Wayne. A host of favorite nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that loved and cherished him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents Cesar & Lois Bradford; his high school sweetheart and wife, Tremell “Sally” Bradford; son, Charles Edward Bradford II; brother, Jerry Don Bradford; sister, Delois Bradford; and grandson, D’Antre Bradford.

Charles passed from this life at age 73, on April 23, 2026, but will remain in our hearts forever.

A Funeral Service will be 12:00 pm on May 9, 2026 at Turner Chapel AME Church, 836 E Jefferson Blvd, (46803), with the Rev. Paulette Madison, officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to service. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

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