Clare Eugene Bradford 1950—2018
Clare Eugene Bradford, " Mr. B", 67, died Wed., Sept. 5, 2018, at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford, IL. He was born Sept. 9, 1950, in Oregon , IL; the son of Clare LaVerne and Mildred J. (Gaede) Bradford. He graduated from Oregon High School in 1968. He obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin at Platteville. He then received his Master's Degree from National Louis University. He married Rita Forrester on Jan. 26, 1973, at the United Methodist Church in Oregon. Mr. B taught in the Byron School System for 32 years, retiring in 2006. He was a former Byron Middle School wrestling coach. His family was his main focus, never missing a family event, especially if it involved his granddaughter, Caroline whom he loved immensely. He was an avid woodworker and an all around handyman. He loved to travel, go to movies, and go for walks in the woods with his wife of 45 years, Rita. He is survived by his wife, Rita; son and daughter-in-law, Justin (Katie Bouton) Bradford; granddaughter, Caroline Grace Bradford; brother-in-law, Robert L. Brashaw; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Robert S. Bradford; and sister, Phyllis Ann Brashaw.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 10, 2018, at Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 506 W. Merchant Street in Byron, Illinois, with the Pastor David Rogula officiating. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. A memorial fund is established for a academic scholarship at the Byron High School for a Byron High School graduate who will be pursuing a degree in education or the science field.
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Sponsored by Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home - Byron.
Rita, so very sorry to hear about Gene's passing, my heart goes out to you and your family.
Jim Hogan
September 14, 2018
Jim Hogan
September 14, 2018
So shocked to hear of Mr. Bradford's passing . One of my children's favorite teachers' . He was a wonderful person and will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to all the family . So so sorry Rita to hear this news. With our deepest sympathy, Vickie Laurson (Noffsinger) and Jim
Vickie Laurson
September 10, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with Rita, Justin and family. Gene was a dear friend, a fabulous teacher and coach, and a loyal and dedicated employee. He touched the lives of so many students and gave them the love of science. He will be missed by all.
Glen and Janet Dallman
September 8, 2018
I hadn't seen him in many years, but I'll miss him forever. He was what all teachers should aspire to be.
Alycia (Everett) Harvey
September 7, 2018
Thomas Van Camp
September 7, 2018
This comes as such a sad shock! I am so sorry for your loss. My daughter Sarah had Gene for 5th grade science, and I had the pleasure of substituting as a teacher aide in his classroom in the late 1990's. Wonderful teacher and man whom I liked and respected. Keeping you in thought and prayer.
Laurie Burnworth
September 7, 2018
Rita and Family,
Please accept our deepest condolences. We were so sorry to hear about Gene. Please know we are keeping you and your entire family in our thoughts and prayers.
Warmest Regards,
The entire staff at Van Camp, Meacham and Newman
September 7, 2018
My deepest sympathies to the family. You can find comfort in knowing, our Heavenly Father has promised we will see our love ones again (Acts 21:15).
A D
September 7, 2018
Very sad to hear, he was one of my favorite teachers. He always had a smile and "how ya doing?" when you you would run into him. He will be missed.
Nanette Gibson
September 7, 2018
Rhonda OBrien
September 7, 2018
Rita and family, I am so sorry to hear of Gene's passing. He was a wonderful teacher. My daughter Jacque was a shy and timid gradeschooler until she was in Mr. Bradford's class. Through the lives he touched, he has made the world a better place. Please let your good memories sustain you in the coming days.Sara Hamer Mallow, Jacque, Lexie and Sam
Sara Mallow
September 6, 2018
Our condolences Best science teacher I've ever met and great guy!!
Lester Shaffer
September 6, 2018
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Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home - Byron506 W Merchant St, Byron, IL 61010
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Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home - Byron506 W Merchant St, Byron, IL 61010
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Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home - Byron506 W Merchant St, Byron, IL 61010
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