Robert Bradner obituary: Robert Bradner's Obituary, Toledo
In Memory Of
Robert H. "Bob" Bradner
1921 - 2022
In Memory Of
Robert H. "Bob" Bradner
1921 - 2022
Robert H. “Bob” Bradner, age 100, passed away peacefully at home in Toledo surrounded by family on April 15, 2022. Born November 10, 1921, in Bedford County, VA, he was the youngest son of David and Onie Bradner. He grew up in Virginia on a tobacco farm, and as a farmer’s son began working early in life. Growing up during the Great Depression affected many decisions he made throughout his life. He graduated from Climax High School, then attended Randolph-Macon College where he studied Pre-Law and was on the track, baseball and basketball teams.
In June 1942, he enlisted in the Army Air Force because he wanted to fly. He was called into duty February 1943, before he graduated from college. He was based in England during World War II, where as a fighter pilot he flew a P51-D Mustang in 33 bomber escort missions over Germany. He volunteered to go to the Pacific, but the war ended before he was sent. He remained in the USAF Reserves until 1955. He received a few medals and citations, but never thought of himself as a hero; he was just doing his duty. However he was deeply touched when he had the privilege of taking an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., in 2014.
When Bob returned from service he went straight to Randolph-Macon and paid off his student loan. He lacked 6 credit hours to get his bachelor’s degree. He believed the college was so grateful he paid off his loan, they asked him how they could give him the credits he needed to graduate. They came up with 6 hours of credit for military science. That was one of the things of which Bob was most proud.
After military service Bob briefly attended the University of Virginia School of Law before joining the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1947. He served in the Oklahoma City, Omaha and Cedar Rapids offices. In 1949 he met his wife, Wanda Wilson, on a blind date and fell in love. They were married the same year just before Bob was transferred to Cleveland, where they started their family with the birth of twin girls, Barbara and Beverly. He was transferred to Toledo in 1956, where they had another daughter, Bonny, and a son, William, and finished his 28 year career with the FBI there. He retired in 1975 as Senior Resident Agent in Charge. Bob had many interesting stories he liked to share about his time with the FBI. During the last few years of his career he grew to enjoy public speaking, entertaining and educating organizations about the FBI.
Bob thoroughly enjoyed retirement. He especially loved to golf, so he and Wanda became “snowbirds” to take advantage of the best golfing weather in Toledo or Florida. In 1992, they became permanent residents of Clearwater, FL. He was a good golfer, with a 7 handicap at one time. He achieved the elusive hole-in-one twice during his lifetime. As he got older, he was proud he could still “shoot his age” at least once each year. He still played in golf leagues twice a week until age 96 when he had a stroke. Besides the game itself, Bob enjoyed a fun bet on the side “to make the game more interesting” and going to the 19th hole afterwards to have a beer and share stories with his many golfing buddies. He also enjoyed an occasional guys-only golfing trip.
A good bowler in numerous leagues, Bob won lots of trophies and prize money. He also enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles, playing the harmonica, following sports on tv, and exercising when he wasn’t golfing. He and Wanda enjoyed some traveling, socializing with friends, and going to the beach and parks in Florida. Most of all they enjoyed their daily cocktail hour, sipping Manhattans while watching the wildlife in the peace and quiet of their lake view condo.
Besides serving his country in the military and law enforcement, Bob served his community in many ways. He was nearly a charter member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Toledo and served as an officer and a member on numerous church committees. He was an Associate Member of Heritage UMC in Clearwater, FL. Bob was a President and Executive Secretary-Treasurer of The Toledo Lions Club; a Director and President of Valleywood Golf Club; Treasurer and President of the Village on the Green Condo Association. As a member of the VOGC Lake Committee he worked hard to clear the overgrown brush and took pride in restoring the beautiful views of the lake from the condos. He was a lifetime member and twice Chairman of the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI Toledo Chapter, a lifetime member of NARFE, as well as a member of the American Legion.
Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He and Wanda celebrated 65 years of marriage before she passed in 2015. He was Wanda’s sole caregiver the last years of her life, honoring her wish to be with him wherever he was. Bob believed education was important and made sure his children and grandchildren attended college. He believed in hard work and always doing your best. He used his great sense of humor effectively to diffuse tense situations. Reputation was important and he often told his children “Remember, you’re a Bradner!” which they will never forget.
Bob is survived and will be greatly missed by daughters Beverly (David) Bestpitch and Bonny Gossard, son William Bradner, grandson Andy (Raegan) Gossard, granddaughter Kylie Bradner, great-grandsons Aiden Gossard and Keegan Gossard, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Wanda, his daughter Barbara Pinkelman, his parents, and all of his siblings, Emma Billingsley, Nell Moschler, David Bradner Jr., Nancy Love, Anna Giles, and Bettye Crocker.
The family thanks all those who remembered Bob on his 100th birthday with cards, notes and calls, as each one meant a great deal to him. The family also thanks ProMedica Hospice for their help and care over the last few months. There is no service or visitation. Bob’s cremains will be interred at Sylvan Abbey in Clearwater, FL. If you wish, memorial donations may be made to Aldersgate UMC, 4030 Douglas Rd, Toledo, OH 43613 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
A special memory or online condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.NewcomerToledo.com.
In June 1942, he enlisted in the Army Air Force because he wanted to fly. He was called into duty February 1943, before he graduated from college. He was based in England during World War II, where as a fighter pilot he flew a P51-D Mustang in 33 bomber escort missions over Germany. He volunteered to go to the Pacific, but the war ended before he was sent. He remained in the USAF Reserves until 1955. He received a few medals and citations, but never thought of himself as a hero; he was just doing his duty. However he was deeply touched when he had the privilege of taking an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., in 2014.
When Bob returned from service he went straight to Randolph-Macon and paid off his student loan. He lacked 6 credit hours to get his bachelor’s degree. He believed the college was so grateful he paid off his loan, they asked him how they could give him the credits he needed to graduate. They came up with 6 hours of credit for military science. That was one of the things of which Bob was most proud.
After military service Bob briefly attended the University of Virginia School of Law before joining the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1947. He served in the Oklahoma City, Omaha and Cedar Rapids offices. In 1949 he met his wife, Wanda Wilson, on a blind date and fell in love. They were married the same year just before Bob was transferred to Cleveland, where they started their family with the birth of twin girls, Barbara and Beverly. He was transferred to Toledo in 1956, where they had another daughter, Bonny, and a son, William, and finished his 28 year career with the FBI there. He retired in 1975 as Senior Resident Agent in Charge. Bob had many interesting stories he liked to share about his time with the FBI. During the last few years of his career he grew to enjoy public speaking, entertaining and educating organizations about the FBI.
Bob thoroughly enjoyed retirement. He especially loved to golf, so he and Wanda became “snowbirds” to take advantage of the best golfing weather in Toledo or Florida. In 1992, they became permanent residents of Clearwater, FL. He was a good golfer, with a 7 handicap at one time. He achieved the elusive hole-in-one twice during his lifetime. As he got older, he was proud he could still “shoot his age” at least once each year. He still played in golf leagues twice a week until age 96 when he had a stroke. Besides the game itself, Bob enjoyed a fun bet on the side “to make the game more interesting” and going to the 19th hole afterwards to have a beer and share stories with his many golfing buddies. He also enjoyed an occasional guys-only golfing trip.
A good bowler in numerous leagues, Bob won lots of trophies and prize money. He also enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles, playing the harmonica, following sports on tv, and exercising when he wasn’t golfing. He and Wanda enjoyed some traveling, socializing with friends, and going to the beach and parks in Florida. Most of all they enjoyed their daily cocktail hour, sipping Manhattans while watching the wildlife in the peace and quiet of their lake view condo.
Besides serving his country in the military and law enforcement, Bob served his community in many ways. He was nearly a charter member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Toledo and served as an officer and a member on numerous church committees. He was an Associate Member of Heritage UMC in Clearwater, FL. Bob was a President and Executive Secretary-Treasurer of The Toledo Lions Club; a Director and President of Valleywood Golf Club; Treasurer and President of the Village on the Green Condo Association. As a member of the VOGC Lake Committee he worked hard to clear the overgrown brush and took pride in restoring the beautiful views of the lake from the condos. He was a lifetime member and twice Chairman of the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI Toledo Chapter, a lifetime member of NARFE, as well as a member of the American Legion.
Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He and Wanda celebrated 65 years of marriage before she passed in 2015. He was Wanda’s sole caregiver the last years of her life, honoring her wish to be with him wherever he was. Bob believed education was important and made sure his children and grandchildren attended college. He believed in hard work and always doing your best. He used his great sense of humor effectively to diffuse tense situations. Reputation was important and he often told his children “Remember, you’re a Bradner!” which they will never forget.
Bob is survived and will be greatly missed by daughters Beverly (David) Bestpitch and Bonny Gossard, son William Bradner, grandson Andy (Raegan) Gossard, granddaughter Kylie Bradner, great-grandsons Aiden Gossard and Keegan Gossard, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Wanda, his daughter Barbara Pinkelman, his parents, and all of his siblings, Emma Billingsley, Nell Moschler, David Bradner Jr., Nancy Love, Anna Giles, and Bettye Crocker.
The family thanks all those who remembered Bob on his 100th birthday with cards, notes and calls, as each one meant a great deal to him. The family also thanks ProMedica Hospice for their help and care over the last few months. There is no service or visitation. Bob’s cremains will be interred at Sylvan Abbey in Clearwater, FL. If you wish, memorial donations may be made to Aldersgate UMC, 4030 Douglas Rd, Toledo, OH 43613 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
A special memory or online condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.NewcomerToledo.com.
Robert H. “Bob” Bradner, age 100, passed away peacefully at home in Toledo surrounded by family on April 15, 2022. Born November 10, 1921, in Bedford County, VA, he was the youngest son of David and Onie Bradner. He grew up in Virginia on a tobacco farm, and as a farmer’s son began working early in life. Growing up during the Great Depression affected many decisions he made throughout his life. He graduated from Climax High School, then attended Randolph-Macon College where he studied Pre-Law and was on the track, baseball and basketball teams.
In June 1942, he enlisted in the Army Air Force because he wanted to fly. He was called into duty February 1943, before he graduated from college. He was based in England during World War II, where as a fighter pilot he flew a P51-D Mustang in 33 bomber escort missions over Germany. He volunteered to go to the Pacific, but the war ended before he was sent. He remained in the USAF Reserves until 1955. He received a few medals and citations, but never thought of himself as a hero; he was just doing his duty. However he was deeply touched when he had the privilege of taking an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., in 2014.
When Bob returned from service he went straight to Randolph-Macon and paid off his student loan. He lacked 6 credit hours to get his bachelor’s degree. He believed the college was so grateful he paid off his loan, they asked him how they could give him the credits he needed to graduate. They came up with 6 hours of credit for military science. That was one of the things of which Bob was most proud.
After military service Bob briefly attended the University of Virginia School of Law before joining the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1947. He served in the Oklahoma City, Omaha and Cedar Rapids offices. In 1949 he met his wife, Wanda Wilson, on a blind date and fell in love. They were married the same year just before Bob was transferred to Cleveland, where they started their family with the birth of twin girls, Barbara and Beverly. He was transferred to Toledo in 1956, where they had another daughter, Bonny, and a son, William, and finished his 28 year career with the FBI there. He retired in 1975 as Senior Resident Agent in Charge. Bob had many interesting stories he liked to share about his time with the FBI. During the last few years of his career he grew to enjoy public speaking, entertaining and educating organizations about the FBI.
Bob thoroughly enjoyed retirement. He especially loved to golf, so he and Wanda became “snowbirds” to take advantage of the best golfing weather in Toledo or Florida. In 1992, they became permanent residents of Clearwater, FL. He was a good golfer, with a 7 handicap at one time. He achieved the elusive hole-in-one twice during his lifetime. As he got older, he was proud he could still “shoot his age” at least once each year. He still played in golf leagues twice a week until age 96 when he had a stroke. Besides the game itself, Bob enjoyed a fun bet on the side “to make the game more interesting” and going to the 19th hole afterwards to have a beer and share stories with his many golfing buddies. He also enjoyed an occasional guys-only golfing trip.
A good bowler in numerous leagues, Bob won lots of trophies and prize money. He also enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles, playing the harmonica, following sports on tv, and exercising when he wasn’t golfing. He and Wanda enjoyed some traveling, socializing with friends, and going to the beach and parks in Florida. Most of all they enjoyed their daily cocktail hour, sipping Manhattans while watching the wildlife in the peace and quiet of their lake view condo.
Besides serving his country in the military and law enforcement, Bob served his community in many ways. He was nearly a charter member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Toledo and served as an officer and a member on numerous church committees. He was an Associate Member of Heritage UMC in Clearwater, FL. Bob was a President and Executive Secretary-Treasurer of The Toledo Lions Club; a Director and President of Valleywood Golf Club; Treasurer and President of the Village on the Green Condo Association. As a member of the VOGC Lake Committee he worked hard to clear the overgrown brush and took pride in restoring the beautiful views of the lake from the condos. He was a lifetime member and twice Chairman of the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI Toledo Chapter, a lifetime member of NARFE, as well as a member of the American Legion.
Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He and Wanda celebrated 65 years of marriage before she passed in 2015. He was Wanda’s sole caregiver the last years of her life, honoring her wish to be with him wherever he was. Bob believed education was important and made sure his children and grandchildren attended college. He believed in hard work and always doing your best. He used his great sense of humor effectively to diffuse tense situations. Reputation was important and he often told his children “Remember, you’re a Bradner!” which they will never forget.
Bob is survived and will be greatly missed by daughters Beverly (David) Bestpitch and Bonny Gossard, son William Bradner, grandson Andy (Raegan) Gossard, granddaughter Kylie Bradner, great-grandsons Aiden Gossard and Keegan Gossard, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Wanda, his daughter Barbara Pinkelman, his parents, and all of his siblings, Emma Billingsley, Nell Moschler, David Bradner Jr., Nancy Love, Anna Giles, and Bettye Crocker.
The family thanks all those who remembered Bob on his 100th birthday with cards, notes and calls, as each one meant a great deal to him. The family also thanks ProMedica Hospice for their help and care over the last few months. There is no service or visitation. Bob’s cremains will be interred at Sylvan Abbey in Clearwater, FL. If you wish, memorial donations may be made to Aldersgate UMC, 4030 Douglas Rd, Toledo, OH 43613 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
A special memory or online condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.NewcomerToledo.com.
In June 1942, he enlisted in the Army Air Force because he wanted to fly. He was called into duty February 1943, before he graduated from college. He was based in England during World War II, where as a fighter pilot he flew a P51-D Mustang in 33 bomber escort missions over Germany. He volunteered to go to the Pacific, but the war ended before he was sent. He remained in the USAF Reserves until 1955. He received a few medals and citations, but never thought of himself as a hero; he was just doing his duty. However he was deeply touched when he had the privilege of taking an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., in 2014.
When Bob returned from service he went straight to Randolph-Macon and paid off his student loan. He lacked 6 credit hours to get his bachelor’s degree. He believed the college was so grateful he paid off his loan, they asked him how they could give him the credits he needed to graduate. They came up with 6 hours of credit for military science. That was one of the things of which Bob was most proud.
After military service Bob briefly attended the University of Virginia School of Law before joining the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1947. He served in the Oklahoma City, Omaha and Cedar Rapids offices. In 1949 he met his wife, Wanda Wilson, on a blind date and fell in love. They were married the same year just before Bob was transferred to Cleveland, where they started their family with the birth of twin girls, Barbara and Beverly. He was transferred to Toledo in 1956, where they had another daughter, Bonny, and a son, William, and finished his 28 year career with the FBI there. He retired in 1975 as Senior Resident Agent in Charge. Bob had many interesting stories he liked to share about his time with the FBI. During the last few years of his career he grew to enjoy public speaking, entertaining and educating organizations about the FBI.
Bob thoroughly enjoyed retirement. He especially loved to golf, so he and Wanda became “snowbirds” to take advantage of the best golfing weather in Toledo or Florida. In 1992, they became permanent residents of Clearwater, FL. He was a good golfer, with a 7 handicap at one time. He achieved the elusive hole-in-one twice during his lifetime. As he got older, he was proud he could still “shoot his age” at least once each year. He still played in golf leagues twice a week until age 96 when he had a stroke. Besides the game itself, Bob enjoyed a fun bet on the side “to make the game more interesting” and going to the 19th hole afterwards to have a beer and share stories with his many golfing buddies. He also enjoyed an occasional guys-only golfing trip.
A good bowler in numerous leagues, Bob won lots of trophies and prize money. He also enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles, playing the harmonica, following sports on tv, and exercising when he wasn’t golfing. He and Wanda enjoyed some traveling, socializing with friends, and going to the beach and parks in Florida. Most of all they enjoyed their daily cocktail hour, sipping Manhattans while watching the wildlife in the peace and quiet of their lake view condo.
Besides serving his country in the military and law enforcement, Bob served his community in many ways. He was nearly a charter member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Toledo and served as an officer and a member on numerous church committees. He was an Associate Member of Heritage UMC in Clearwater, FL. Bob was a President and Executive Secretary-Treasurer of The Toledo Lions Club; a Director and President of Valleywood Golf Club; Treasurer and President of the Village on the Green Condo Association. As a member of the VOGC Lake Committee he worked hard to clear the overgrown brush and took pride in restoring the beautiful views of the lake from the condos. He was a lifetime member and twice Chairman of the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI Toledo Chapter, a lifetime member of NARFE, as well as a member of the American Legion.
Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He and Wanda celebrated 65 years of marriage before she passed in 2015. He was Wanda’s sole caregiver the last years of her life, honoring her wish to be with him wherever he was. Bob believed education was important and made sure his children and grandchildren attended college. He believed in hard work and always doing your best. He used his great sense of humor effectively to diffuse tense situations. Reputation was important and he often told his children “Remember, you’re a Bradner!” which they will never forget.
Bob is survived and will be greatly missed by daughters Beverly (David) Bestpitch and Bonny Gossard, son William Bradner, grandson Andy (Raegan) Gossard, granddaughter Kylie Bradner, great-grandsons Aiden Gossard and Keegan Gossard, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Wanda, his daughter Barbara Pinkelman, his parents, and all of his siblings, Emma Billingsley, Nell Moschler, David Bradner Jr., Nancy Love, Anna Giles, and Bettye Crocker.
The family thanks all those who remembered Bob on his 100th birthday with cards, notes and calls, as each one meant a great deal to him. The family also thanks ProMedica Hospice for their help and care over the last few months. There is no service or visitation. Bob’s cremains will be interred at Sylvan Abbey in Clearwater, FL. If you wish, memorial donations may be made to Aldersgate UMC, 4030 Douglas Rd, Toledo, OH 43613 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
A special memory or online condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.NewcomerToledo.com.