Elmer Ira Bradford

Elmer Bradford was born in Clear Springs, MO on March 8th, 1929 to George and Maud i e Bradford. He departed this world peacefully, surrounded by family, in Ava, MO on June 2nd, 2019.

Elmer was survived by his devoted wife, Yvonne Bradford. They were joined in marriage on February 24th, 1951. Their union was made complete with the addition of a large, loving family. Richard and Donna (Bradford) Spacek of Ava, MO and their children and grandchildren, Chase and Jennifer Hutson of Viola, AR, and children Braxton, Creek, Jesse James, Anson and Sage; Gary and Ericka Armstrong of Wasola, MO and children McCartney, Myles and Charlotte; Richard Spacek of Ava, MO and children Khloe and Kinley. Don and Linda (Bradford) Ogden of Rogers, AR and their children and grandchildren Michael and Delana Ogden of Pensacola, FL; Danny and Cassey Ogden of Denton, TX and children Camille, Jax and Declan; Jerry and Tabitha Highfill of Gulf Breeze and child Jovia. Robert and Rosa Bradford of Kansas City and children Clinton, Yvonne and Lane of Exeter, MO, Jasmine, Exon and Axle of Kansas City, and Stephanie of Rogers, AR.

Elmer was preceded in death by his six siblings, Woodrow Bradford and wife Marie, George Emmett Bradford, Mae and husband Wilbur Linderer, Ellen and Otis Rakestraw, Ella and Authur Sherrill, and Gene Bradford. He is survived by Emmett's wife Beth Bradford and Gene's wife Clara Mae Bradford.

Elmer was well loved by his family which he supported through his career as a horse shoer that led him to shoe horses for a vast clientele all over the state making his name well known and beloved throughout the region. That career started at 13 years of age and was a defining part of who he was as a person. He was very proud of his trade and passed the skills on to anyone desiring to learn this art. His ability to captivate whatever audience was gathered in his ever welcome home with his story-telling will be his lasting legacy. Elmer and Yvonne created a home where everyone knew that no matter when or why they showed up a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of tea and a slice of cobbler and an open ear would always greet you. His generous spirit made him an excellent example for the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren that were always by his side whether it be chasing down a runnin' dog, on the bank of a fishing pond, on the horse-shoeing trail or the back of a three-wheeler running all over his farm or headed to a deer stand in Tyrone. You would be hard-pressed to find a friend, neighbor or buddy that hadn't been touched by his giving hand whether it be a day spent in a hay field or a load of much needed fire wood showing up at just the right time. He respected his land and what it had to offer his family and he taught us all to do the same. Now, we will all work to carry on his legacy through sharing the stories of how he worked to shape each of our lives.