Dale Eugene Bradford Sr

Dale Eugene Bradford Sr. 92 of Decatur died at his residence surrounded by his family on Wednesday July 2, 2025.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Monday July 7, 2025, at Tanzyus-Logan Funeral Service (2442 N. Route 121 Decatur, IL. 62526). A funeral service to honor Dale’s life will be 10:00am Tuesday July 8, 2025, at Central Baptist Church (1275 Mount Gilead Road Decatur, IL. 62521) with Pastor Dave Brown officiating. Burial will be at French Cemetery Allenville, IL. with Military Honors by the Macon County Honor Guard. Tanzyus-Logan Funeral Service and Care is in charge of the arrangements.

Dale was born in Decatur in February of 1933, son of Everett and Lena Bradford. He served in the U.S. Navy/Marines 1950 to 1955. Dale worked as a foreman for Wagner Castings for seventeen and a half years. After retiring he worked as a custodian for the Decatur School District 61 and as a police officer for Argenta, IL. He was a member of Central Baptist Church Decatur. He enjoyed playing the guitar and singing, watching Gunsmoke and John Wayne movies, working crossword puzzles and reading. Dale married Marlene B. Merdith in September of 1955, and she preceded him in death in August of, 2011.

Surviving are his children, Belinda Monson, Tamara Trotter, Paul (Vicky) Bradford, Dale (Jeri) Bradford Jr. April (Tim) Clary, Melinda Beth (Jeff) Stout, twenty grandchildren, and thirty-nine great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Marlene, grandson, Michael Monson, brother, Everett Chet Bradford, sister, Wanda Brown, son-in-law, Harold Monson Sr.

In true John Wayne form Dale ‘s favorite quote was “Saddle Up”

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of Transitions Hospice, with special thanks to Stacey, Kaitie and Connie.

Please sign the family guestbook at www.tanzyusloganmemorialpages.com