Aubrey M. Bradford Jr.

In Loving Memory of Aubrey Marshall Bradford Jr.

August 7, 1937 – May 26, 2026

Aubrey Marshall Bradford Jr., beloved husband, father, friend, and faithful servant of Christ, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on May 26, 2026, at the age of 88.

Born on August 7, 1937, in Waco, Texas, Aubrey was the son of Aubrey Marshall Bradford Sr. and Opal Inez Holt Bradford. From an early age, he displayed remarkable athletic ability, excelling as a track runner and football running back. He also developed a passion for woodworking through woodshop, a skill and hobby he continued to appreciate throughout his life.

Aubrey attended the University of Texas and proudly served in the United States Navy Reserves for approximately eight years. His dedication, discipline, and love for his country reflected the character that would define his life.

Above all else, Aubrey was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ whose faith guided every chapter of his journey. He found great joy in caring for his family, sharing the Gospel, and enjoying football, a lifelong passion.

One of the greatest blessings of his life came when he met Vilma Bradford in the Philippines. Their love story was one of faith and destiny, as they were married within a week of meeting. Aubrey wholeheartedly embraced his role as a father when he adopted Vilma’s son, Franklin Bradford, and together they built a loving family grounded in faith, devotion, and unwavering commitment to one another.

In 2005, Aubrey and his family moved to Texas, where they remained until 2014. Later, he fulfilled a dream by purchasing a farm in the Philippines, which he lovingly named “Grace Land.” What began as a farm soon became a ministry and place of outreach for children, parents, and families throughout the surrounding villages. There, Aubrey devoted himself to sharing Christ’s love, encouraging others in their faith and building meaningful relationships within the community he cherished so deeply. The Philippines held a special place in his heart, and he dearly loved his family and friends there.

As health challenges arose later in life, Aubrey and his family relocated to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he spent his remaining years surrounded by loved ones. On May 26, 2026, God called him home to Heaven, where he was reunited with the Savior he faithfully served throughout his life.

Aubrey’s legacy is one of steadfast faith, selfless love, servant-hearted ministry, and devotion to family. He will be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, strong Christian witness, and the countless lives he touched both in the United States and the Philippines.

Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing that he has heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” and now rests in the eternal presence of the Lord, Jesus Christ, whom he loved and faithfully served throughout his life. His memory will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him

Survivors include:

Wife, Vilma D. Bradford.

Son, Franklin Bradford.

Brother, Ron Bradford.

Sister, Betty Bradford.

Aubrey was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings; Patty Voss and Sue Laurens.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 1:00pm with calling 2 hours prior from 11:00am-1:00pm at Coventry Baptist Church, 10926 Aboite Center Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46814.

Burial will take place following the funeral service at IOOF Cemetery, 1109 Hartzell Road, New Haven, IN, 46774.

Officiating the services will be Pastor John Blair.

Memorial donations may be directed to Graceland Farm in Aubrey’s honor.

Arrangements and care entrusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Fort Wayne, IN.