Virgil Martin Bradford

Virgil Martin Bradford, 85, of Delphi, passed away peacefully at IU Health Arnett in Lafayette, on Thursday, October 29, 2026. Virgil was born on October, 22, 1941, in Middlesboro, Kentucky, to the late Joseph and Katherine (Leonard) Bradford.

Virgil had been married to Yvonne (Massengill) who preceded him in death on August 25, 2014. He later married Dana (Hicks) Bradford on July 29, 1993, who survives. They were blessed with over 33 years of a happy marriage.

Virgil attended Forge Ridge High School in Harrogate, Tennessee. Virgil later moved to Indiana and became a pipe fitter in Terre Haute, Indiana. He was a member of UA Local 157 Plumbers and Steamfitters and worked as a Journeyman for nearly 40 years before retiring.

In his free, time Virgil was an outdoorsman and enjoyed being outdoors any chance he could. He had a passion for hunting and fishing. He enjoyed making syrup with his brother Nathan. Virgil belonged to the Coon Hunters Club in Monticello. He also belonged to the Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed working as a farrier and was a gifted story teller, never letting the truth get in the way of a good story. He enjoyed his playful banter with his family and friends. His most cherished time spent was with his family and especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife; Dana (Hicks) Bradford, children; Cheryl (Kim) Beamer, Kimberly (Paul) Keller, Erika (Martin Keller) Thomas, step-children; Tina (Darren) Wagner, Christine (Roger) Gordon, Rob Worthington, a foster daughter; Becky (Kevin) Voigt, siblings; Dorothy Justice, and Jim (Lois) Bradford, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Virgil was preceded in death by siblings; Nathan Bradford, Jesse Bradford, Zona Bair, Osie Wilson, Grace Dubes, infant siblings; Doris Bradford, Alifair Bradford, and Wanda Bradford.

A funeral service honoring the life of Virgil will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 1pm, with Pastor Ray Gene Wilson officiating, located at Shirey Funeral Home, 121 N Union St, Delphi, IN 46923. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 11 am at the funeral home. Masonic rites from Battle Ground Lodge #313 will be held prior to the service. Burial will follow at IOOF Memorial Gardens in Pittsburg.

Memorial contributions honoring the life of Virgil may be made out to Shriners International. Envelopes will be provided at the funeral home.

Shirey Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolences may be made online at www.shireyfh.com