Russell L.W. Bradford, Sr. age 95 of Lake Carroll, IL passed away Monday, February 17, 2020 at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport. He was born on November 18, 1924 in Polo, IL to the late Lester and Blanche (Wagner) Bradford. Russell married Geraldine Moss on May 4, 1946 in Freeport. She passed away March 31, 2012.

Russell served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Before the service, he had dipped ice cream at Union Dairy and rode bicycle for Western Union. After the service, he had worked construction and then as an Electrician for Barber Coleman in Rockford, IL, retiring in 1973. After retirement, he helped his son in the hardware store in Lena, IL. Russell was a member of Zion Church of Freeport. He was an avid fisherman and Cubs fan. He enjoyed golfing, going to the casino, feeding the birds, tinkering around with odd jobs in the house, and telling stories.

He is survived by his son, Russell (Diane) Bradford, Jr. of Lake Carroll; his daughters, Pamela Bradford of Loves Park and Vicki (Robert) Bons of Lena; his brother, Robert Bradford of Freeport; his 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his sister, Ruth Bougher; his brother-in-law, Carl Bougher; and his sister-in-law, Arlene Bradford.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at Walker Mortuary in Freeport at 12:00 p.m. with a visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport. A memorial fund has been established for Allure Nursing Home in Mt. Carroll, IL. The family would like to give a special thank you to Allure Nursing Home and Gayla Kolbert for their special care of Russell.