Patrick Eugene Bradford, twin to Patricia Elaine Bradford, was born August 11, 1950, to Alfred and Grace Bradford in Bakersfield, California. "Pat" or "Gene" as he is lovingly called by family and friends received his early childhood education in the Compton Unified School District and graduated from Compton Senior High School in 1968. Pat loved sports and excelled in the high jump. He was an outstanding athlete during his high school years and set many records participating in District Championship Track Meets. Upon graduation from high school he received an athletic scholarship to Pepperdine University. It was there he met and married his wife Karen. To this union two sons, Kelly Patrick and Kevin Paul, were born.
Patrick accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Double Rock Baptist Church in Compton, CA. In 1978, he joined Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pomona, CA. In 2017, he moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas and joined Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church where he served on the Church Council as Secretary/Treasurer. Pat loved his church and was very active until his death. Also, he enjoyed astronomy, gardening, and listening to all types of music.
In 1972, Patrick became a Fireman for the Compton Fire Department and in 1978 he joined the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Pat retired from the Fire Department in 2004. During his career he obtained the rank of Captain.
Patrick suddenly departed this life on March 16, 2021, at home with his devoted wife by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Grace Bradford, his brother Leroy Bradford, and his sister Patricia Bradford. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Karen Bradford, two sons Kelly and wife Christina, Highland California, Kevin and wife Tamie, Bella Vista, Arkansas, one sister Alfreda, Henderson, Nevada, four nephews, one niece, four great nieces, three great nephews, six grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter, and a host of loving cousins and dear friends.
A visitation will be held from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Sunday, March 21, 2021 and a Celebration of Patrick’s Life will be at 1:00 PM Monday, March 22, 2021 at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 14070 AR-279, Hiwasse, Arkansas 72739.
