Robert E. Bradford, 87, of Centre Hall, died Thursday, April 1, 2004 at the Fairways at Brookline Village in State College, PA. He was born June 10, 1916 in Centre Hall, a son of the late David Milton and Blanche Esther Meeker Bradford.
On September 27, 1952 he married Virginia Smeltzer who preceded him in death Jan. 27, 2002.
Mr. Bradford graduated from Centre Hall Potter High School in 1934. He served in the U. S. Army during World War II, from July 11, 1942 until Nov. 5, 1945. He served with the 164th Ordinance M M Co., serving in Africa and participating in the invasion of Italy. He earned a Good Conduct Medal, an American Campaign Medal, a European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, and a World war II Victory Medal.
Mr. Bradford worked at Kerlin Poultry Farm in Centre Hall, then for Hartman Electric in State College. In 1970 he and his wife opened the Whistle Stop in the old train station in Centre Hall. They designed and sold permanent floral arrangements of dired and artificial flowers along with special holiday decorations and craft items. Eventually they moved their shop to their home on Pennsylvania Ave. Both he and his wife retired in 1981.
He was an active member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Centre Hall, having sung in the choir, taught Sunday School, and served on the Consistory.
His hobbies included landscaping, floral design, and crafts. He enjoyed attending Grange Fair and visiting with his extended family. Both he and his wife enjoyed entertaining in their home. Bob took special pride in decorating his home on Pennsylvania Avenue for various holidays and often made most of the decorations. Each year he had a specially themed decorated Christmas tree in his home. For many years the Bradford's spent their winters at their winter home in Eustis FL.
He is survived by one sister Beulah Bradford Whitman and her husband Eldon of Centre Hall; two brothers, George (Dod) Woodrow Bradford and his wife Margaret; Dean Calvin Bradford and his wife Marian both of Stuart, FL.
In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by four sisters, Faye McClellan Isabelle McCormick, Bertha Walker and Ellen Semepeles and one brother Harold (Jack) Bradford.
Friends will be received from 11:00 a. m. to 1:00 p. m. on Tuesday, April, 13, 2004 at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral Service, 226 S. Pennsylvania Avenue, Centre Hall, PA. The funeral will be at 1:30 p. m. Tuesday, April 13, 2004 at Trinity United Church of Christ 104 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Centre Hall, PA, with the Rev. S. Leigh Pick officiating. Burial will be in the Reformed and Lutheran Cemetery in Centre Hall, PA
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the memorial fund of Trinity United Church of Christ, P. O. Box 212, Centre Hall, PA 16828.
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com. then click on obituaries.