Don Joe Bradford, 77, left this world on April 3, 2025, at Cox Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. He was born on April 18, 1947, to John and Lola (Patterson) Bradford. He attended Clear Springs School in his younger years and graduated from Willow Springs School in 1965. Joe married Anita Jean Flower on February 11, 1972. With this union was born Derik Ian Bradford.
During his life, Joe was drafted into the army and served in the Vietnam War. After coming home, he worked at Rawlings in Willow Springs and with Angelica in Mountain View. He retired in 2025 from Walnut Mill in Willow Springs after 41 years.
In Joe’s spare time, he loved nothing more than attending car shows and admiring them. He also enjoyed going to game nights and watching his nephews and nieces play sports. Joe loved his family and was always there for them when needed.
He is survived by his son, Derik Ian Bradford; brother, Jack (Peggy) Bradford; sisters, Betty Murfin and Peggy (Gary) Nelson; brother-in-law, Arthur Brunk; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Anita Jean Flower-Bradford; parents, John and Lola Bradford; his brothers, Bud (Edna) Bradford, Dudley (Mary) Bradford, Richard Bradford, and Earl (Lora) Bradford; his sisters, Ruth Bradford, Ruby (Tommy) Miller, Bonnie (Don) Cox, and Lola Mae Brunk; and brother-in-law, Wayne Murfin.
Joe was loved and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Clear Springs Community Church, Clear Springs, Missouri, with Pastor Brad Nelson officiating. Visitation will be held from 9-11:00 a.m. at the Yarber Mortuary, Willow Springs, Missouri. Interment will be in Clear Springs Cemetery, Clear Springs. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
