Donald “Don” Bradford

Bradford

November 16, 1937

June 3, 2026

It is with profound sadness and deep appreciation for a life well lived that we announce the passing of Donald “Don” Bradford, who was born on November 16, 1937.

Don was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, businessman, veteran, mentor, and friend. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife, Wilma Bradford, whom he deeply loved and missed. Together they built a family rooted in love, hard work, dedication, and unwavering support for one another.

Don proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, carrying throughout his life the values of service, discipline, and commitment. Those same values helped shape both his family and the business he built from the ground up.

As the founder of Don Bradford Backhoe Service, Don built more than a successful company–he built a legacy. Through determination, integrity, and countless hours of hard work, he established a business that continues to serve the community today. He took great pride in helping guide the company and watching it grow through future generations.

His greatest accomplishment, however, was always his family. Don loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren beyond measure. He treasured family gatherings, celebrated their successes, and took immense pride in watching the generations that followed him grow and flourish.

Known for his remarkable work ethic, Don believed that hard work, honesty, and treating people right were the keys to a successful life. He led by example and passed those values on to his family, employees, and everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Don truly never met a stranger. He had a gift for conversation and an ability to make everyone feel like an old friend. Whether at a job site, in town, or at a community gathering, he was always ready with a smile, a story, or a helping hand. The friendships he built over a lifetime were among his greatest treasures.

Don is survived by his son, Jon Bradford and his wife, Jennifer, of Marietta; his daughter, Jackie Bradford and friend Steve Hupp of Marietta; his granddaughters, Jonysa Bradford Brightbill and her husband, Brice, of Marietta, and Carisa Lankford; his grandson, Colton Taylor and his wife, Taylor; his great-grandchildren, Jeana, Dalton, and Graham Brightbill; Rexton and Emma Lankford; and Easton and Aubrey Taylor; and his beloved cat, Susy.

Those who knew Don will remember his generosity, determination, wisdom, sense of humor, and unwavering love for family and friends. His impact can be seen not only in the business he built, but in the countless lives he touched along the way.

While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that Don has been reunited with Wilma and that the lessons, values, and love he shared will continue to guide us for generations to come.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 PM Sunday, June 7th, 2026, at Hadley Funeral Home Reno Chapel, 1021 Pike St., Marietta, Ohio. Visitation will be from 4-7 PM Saturday, June 6th at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made to the Reno Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 348, Reno, Ohio 45773. Don believed strongly in helping others and supporting his community. The family also encourages everyone wishing to honor his memory to perform an act of kindness for someone in need, offer a helping hand, or share a kind word with a stranger–just as Don did throughout his life.

Online condolences may be made at www.hadleyfh.com.