Obituary of Vern Bradford

Vern K. Bradford

1928 – 2018

Vern Bradford was born Oct. 23, 1928, in Missoula, Mont., to Louis and Dorothy. He passed away July 18, 2018, at home in Boise. After attending Boise High, he joined the Army in 1951 and served a tour in Korea. He earned a Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart. Vern raced cars at Meridian Speedway when it was still a dirt track. He also loved snowmobiling. Vern owned two drive thrus, the Dairy Dell, in Boise and Nampa. Vern married LaVonne Wells, and they raised three kids. Later, Vern was married to Betty Kangas until her death in 1997. He and Betty enjoyed dancing at the Eagles Lodge, and Vern was a member of the Mason Lodge. For the last 21 years of his life, Vern was married to Ruthie Larson Bradford. The two of them made friends everywhere they went, including many winters in Yuma, Ariz. Vern is survived by his children and step-children: Kim Bradford & Tammy Evans, David & Joyce Wells, Carla & Gordon Simpson, Jan & Larry Schneiderman, Melanie Larson, Larry & Judy Larson, and Lindy & Carolyn Larson, as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, and his granddaughter, Stacie Bradford. A memorial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 25, at Summers Funeral Home in Boise. Donations in Vern’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s or a favorite charity.