Ernest R. Bradford, 68, died Jan. 16, 2022, at his Newton residence.
He was born Nov. 18, 1953, in Arkansas City to Roland Peter Bradford and Hattie Mae (Eubanks) Burgin. On Sept. 29, 2018, he married Valorie Thaw, and she survives of the home.
Ernest was a retired truck driver and proudly serviced in the U.S. Navy from 1972 to 1978 and the continued to serve in the Army Reserves from 1991 to 1998. He was a member of the Hall’s Chapel AME in Newton.
He was an avid football fan and enjoyed cheering on his favorite Dallas Cowboys. Ernest was a history buff and enjoyed reading about World War II. He had a love of animals and especially enjoyed caring for his two cats.
Ernest is survived by his wife Valerie of the home; his mother Hattie Burgin; son Jonathon Bradford; two brothers; and a granddaughter. He also is survived by his previous wife Dianna Bradford.
He was preceded in death by his father, one sister and two brothers.
Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, at Petersen Funeral Home Chapel in Newton with Pastor George Waddles Jr. presiding. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday at Petersen Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Burial with military honors will be scheduled at a later date at the Winfield Veterans Cemetery in Winfield.
Memorials in Ernest’s memory may be made out to Caring Hands Humane Society and left with Petersen Funeral Home.
