Ronald Bradford

Ron was born December 2, 1939, in Boulder Colorado and died September 18, 2026. He was the son of Bea Wallace Bradford and Woodrow Arthur Bradford, but raised by Bea and John Shootman. In 1959, he married Dorothy Foster; they later divorced. That marriage produced three children: Rodney, Ginger and Randy. In 1975, he married Carol Bradford and they remained together until his death. Ron gained three children through this marriage: Jeff, Mike and Nancy. Ron was in the trucking business for over 20 years until he met Carol, where he developed an interest in Nursing.

After having been told he was not bright enough to attend college as a child, he decided he would try to set an example for our children by attending Washburn University to obtain a degree in Nursing. It was one of the proudest moments of his life when he graduated, becoming one of the initial few to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) in Topeka, KS. He practiced nursing in Intensive Care and Post Surgical Units as a Charge Nurse and loved it.

After retiring, he often joked about driving a school bus, which developed into a second position as the Bus driver and School Nurse for Tallgrass Alternative School for several years. The kids at the school would often call him Doctor Ron, he always corrected them saying being a Nurse was better.

He was a gentle, contemplative loving man. He was outspoken at times but was also a good listener. He was deeply concerned about the state of our government and worried about the chaos in our world for the next generation. He believed the angels were looking out for him, and he talked to God every day. He was always our handyman, saving money and repairing everything. He loved two kinds of music – Country and Western. He played the guitar along with many other instruments and liked to sing. When entering the Ryman in Nashville, he was awestruck by the energy within.

He enjoyed working in the yard and swimming at the YMCA until his health declined. He did a lot of dog walking and loved each pet dearly. He was a voracious reader and a good teacher, always willing to share what he knew. He was proud to have earned his Eagle Scout, telling others he learned basic principles of life from the Boy Scouts experiences. Ron attended Wanamaker Woods Church for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Carol and combined children: Ginger (Duke) Dougan, Randy (Heidi) Bradford, Jeff (Linda) Lee, Mike (Toni) Lee and Nancy Lee. Sandy Shootman, sister-in-law, Jim Chambers, brother, and nieces, Suzy, Katy and Dawn.

Grandchildren Darry (Hattie) Lee, Dallas (Olivia) Fox, Dillon (Dominique) Lee, Kirsten (Alex) Carolan, Rachel (Jordan) Toutges, Leon Bradford, Corey Bradford, Ashley (Mike) Patrick, Heather (Ryan) Peden, Amanda (John) Merryman, Samantha Lee, Braden (Cassie) Lee, Lance (Angie) Dougan.

Great-grandchildren, Maddison, Gavin, Orion, Braiden, Taelyn, Jada, Jiana, Malia, Leanna, Ryan, Emma, Cohen, Tatum, Ronin, Lila, Bodhi, Roderick, Jack, Griffen, Thorin, Kieran, Aiden, Brynn, Kyser (Kaitlyn), Kolby and Kooper.

Great-great-grandchildren, Maggie and another boy on the way.

Ron was pre-deceased by his son, Rodney (Connie) Bradford, which was the saddest moment of his life; his brothers, Melvin and Kenneth, his mother, Bea and his father, Woodrow and his stepfather, John.

Ron was cremated and a private burial will occur at a later date. The Celebration of his life has been scheduled for 11:00 am, Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Wanamaker Woods Church, 3501 SW Wanamaker Road, with Dr. Michael DeHaan officiating. The National Nurses Honor Guard ceremony will end the service. Lunch will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorial donation may be made in Ron’s memory to the Christian Neighbor Center, 107 SW 14th Street, Topeka, KS 66612.