Frederick Melton Bradford, 85, a Texas native, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2025. Born on December 17, 1939, in Marshall, TX, he was the beloved son of Wylie Lee and Mary Melton Bradford.
Frederick dedicated his life to service, both to his country and his family. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force and was a member of the Masons, VFW, and Texas Wings RC Flying Club. He attended Marshall High School before continuing his education at East Texas Baptist College.
A true aviation enthusiast, Frederick found immense joy in flying. What began as childhood daydreams led to a lifetime in the skies, where he not only became a Captain, but also shared his passion as a flight instructor. His hobbies reflected his love for mechanics and precision—whether he was building model airplanes, restoring a VW Bug, maintaining his fish tank, building a family table, or dabbling with model trains, he approached everything with dedication and skill.
In high flying fashion, Freddy gave his life to the Lord in the dark of night as he piloted a flight 30 thousand feet in the air over St Louis.
Frederick was preceded in death by his parents Lee and Mary and his brothers, Lee Jr., M.L., James W., and Don.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Martha “Penny” Bradford married August, 4th,1961; his children, James (Linda) Bradford, Kimberly (Daryl) Dupre, and Michelle (Greg) Bullard; as well as numerous grandchildren: Cody, Scott, Ryan, Kenzie, James Andrews Jr., Morgan, Elijah, Jasmine, Weston, Micah, Cody, Myah, and Jeffrey and great-grandchildren Allison, Breanna, Savannah, Sierra, Kennedy, and James Andrews III, who will carry on his legacy of love, generosity, and adventure.
A visitation will be held at Alliance Community Fellowship Church on February 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM. A reception will follow. Frederick will be laid to rest on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Ware’s Chapel Cemetery in Emerson, AR.
Frederick’s spirit of wonder and love for family will be deeply missed but forever cherished.
Saturday, February 8, 2025
11:00am - 12:00 pm (Central time)
Alliance Community Fellowship
Saturday, February 8, 2025
12:00 - 1:00 pm (Central time)
Alliance Community Fellowship
Sunday, February 9, 2025
1:00 - 2:00 pm (Central time)
Wares Chapel Cemetery
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