Walter Earl Bradford Sr., 79, Walnut Shade, MO passed away Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010 in South Padre Island, TX. He was born April 1, 1930 in Ponce De Leon, MO to Freddie Earl and Cleo Council Bradford. Earl was saved in 1943 and filled with the Holy Spirit in 1947. He was united in marriage to Oleta Mae Huff on December 17, 1949. Earl started work at the age of ten plowing fields, later went into business with his father-in-law in a sawmill, he also worked in the cheese plant in Nixa, and C.U. gas department, before moving to California to work for Lockheed Aircraft as an electrician converting military planes into weather planes. Upon moving back to Missouri, Earl went to work for C.U. Electric as a ground man, journeyman lineman, he also worked in the meter department, and worked as a collector. After retiring he went to work as head electrician for State Park Marina. Earl was a faithful member of Healing River Worship Center formerly Oak Ridge Full Gospel Church. He was a teacher, servant and father figure from 1956 until present and would sacrificially give of his time and money to the church and anyone in need. Earl was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters Velta Waldrep, Blanche Harris, and granddaughter Bethany Snider. He is survived by his loving wife Oleta Bradford, three daughters; Deanna Edwards and husband Jack, Anita Allen and husband Jim, and Betty Snider and husband Tim, a son; Walter Earl Bradford Jr. and wife Jeanna, eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren, four sisters; Juanita Barker, June Huff, Eva Scott, and Faye Martin, a brother; Ted Bradford, and a host of family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM, Thursday, February 11, 2010 at Healing River Worship Center, Walnut Shade, MO under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Schupbach Cemetery, Chestnut Ridge, MO. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 PM, Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at the church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Healing River Worship Center. And will be distributed evenly to Teen Challenge, Dusty Feet, Gideons, and HRWC Youth, 265 Oak Ridge Rd. Walnut Shade, MO 65771.
