Gary L. Bradford

Gary L. Bradford joined his bride in heaven on Sunday, September 10, 2023 at 2 pm at his home in Sparland, IL. He was born on February 10, 1941 to Jack Lawrence Bradford and Helen Francis Lee Spencer Bradford in Bardolph, IL. Gary graduated from Bardolph High School in 1959. He went on to further his education at Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL, graduating in 1965 with a Bachelors degree in Education. After meeting Carol Elaine Weaver, they married on November, 24, 1962. Gary taught industrial arts and building trades at Mattoon High School and at VIT High School in the early years. He also coached at VIT High School. Gary then went on to farm and owned a construction company while raising his young family. Gary retired as a field engineer representative on large projects such as prisons, jails, high schools, and federal buildings.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Helen Bradford; his younger siblings Jerry Lynn Bradford and Donna Kay Gibboney; his wife Carol Elaine Weaver Bradford and his youngest son, Shane Dolphin Bradford.

Surviving Gary are his two children Shawn (Donna Butcher) Bradford of Abingdon, IL and Shan Bradford Waid of Galesburg, IL; Grandchildren - Christen (Brian) Parks of Table Grove, IL; Colten (Libby Bair) Bradford of Springfield, IL; Jordan (Jenna Tranell) Bradford of Tulsa, OK; Emmaline Waid of Plainfield, IL; Lucy Waid of Galesburg, IL. Great grand-daughters Delaney and Everly Parks of Table Grove, IL. and his best pal and “huntin’ buddy”, Roscoe.

Gary was an exceptional basketball player, excelled in music, enjoyed various arts, and was a meticulous craftsman in his carpentry and creating furniture. He loved fishing at Kentucky Lake and in Hayward, WI and took his grandkids along. Gary was an avid hunter and conservationist loving all nature had to offer.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Playground Fund at Vermont Christian Church, 100 W 3rd Street, Vermont, IL 61484.