Michael Gary Bradford of Flagstaff went home to his Lord in the early morning hours of November 8, 2017, after suffering a fatal heart attack.


Michael had lived in Flagstaff for 24 years, where he was an active member of Trinity Heights United Methodist Church serving faithfully as an usher and on various committees throughout the years. He was active in the Emmaus Community and served most recently as an assistant lay director. Twelve years ago, Michael waged and won a valiant battle with throat cancer. He credited his survival to the Holy Spirit and later wrote a book about his experience to encourage others facing this dread disease. His book is still widely read and in demand.


After graduating from Lafayette Senior High School in Louisiana, Michael enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served with distinction as an air traffic controller. He retired after twenty years with the rank of Master Sergeant. Michael loved his faith, his family and his country. Throughout his military career and his personal life, Michael lived by the core values of the Air Force: integrity, service before self and excellence.


Michael was predeceased by his parents Leo Ivy Bradford and Elizabeth Ruth Jefferies of League City, Texas, and his two brothers Leo Jeffrey Bradford of Fort Walton Beach, Florida and William Gregory Bradford of Sheridan, Wyoming. He is survived by Karen Van Vleet Bradford, his childhood sweetheart and wife of 49 years; their sons James (Elizabeth) Bradford of Phoenix and Eric (Sarah) Bradford of Flagstaff and their granddaughters Nizhoni of Flagstaff and Willow of Phoenix; and his sister Pamela Jones of Trinity, Texas.


A graveside military service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday November 15 at Citizen's Cemetery, Veterans' Section, in Flagstaff. On Saturday November 18, 2017 a Memorial/Celebration of Life will be held at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. with reception immediately following in the church's Fellowship Hall.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Heights United Methodist Church (Flagstaff), FaithWorks Christians in Missions (Flagstaff), or the charity of your choice.