Donald Dale Bradford

Donald Dale Bradford of Farmington, New Mexico went to meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 18th, 2025 (Good Friday) at the age of 50. Donny was born in Farmington, NM on June 15th, 1974, to Doug Sr. and Paula Bradford. Donny’s love for the Lord came first and foremost. He studied the Word and lived a life that reflected his deep faith, serving others, and loving his family. Donny was known for his kindness, generosity, and patience. Many appreciated his warm hugs and genuine demeanor. He had a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh.

From a young age Donny had a passion for music of all kinds. Over his lifetime he attended over one hundred concerts ranging from Metallica to Willie Nelson. He passed his love of music onto his children, nieces, nephews, and even their children. Though rock and roll was his favorite, he was just as likely to be found at a country, gospel, or folk concert. Music was always a part of his life and was playing while he gardened, grilled, or worked. He was constantly quoting lyrics or singing his favorite song, trying to correct his wife when she got the lyrics wrong. It was an ongoing lyrical battle.

Donny was part of the Bradford family racing legacy at Aztec Speedway. He drove stock car #96 and raced in Aztec NM, and Cortez, CO. In 1997 he placed 3rd in the nation and was the track champion at Aztec Speedway. That same year, he raced at the Super Nationals in Boone, IA., an experience he remembered fondly. Later in his life he picked up many more hobbies including grilling and being a master gardener. He grew wonderfully enormous and beautiful gardens with his wife, his friend (Tom), and his family- including his aunt and uncle Johnny and Val, and his grandad Jack Cave. He also enjoyed canning the spoils of his vegetable garden with his wife.

He met his wife, Lora, unknowingly on the school bus, when he (being in the 5th grade) and an outgoing, fun, person, asked if anyone wanted his autograph. Lora was in the 2nd grade at the time and thought he was the cutest boy she had ever seen. She promptly said, “I do!” Eleven years later, after going into the Broadway Conoco, where Lora worked as “the pizza girl,” they caught each other's eye. She had just finished a commercial for Picadilly Pizza when he came in during his lunch and asked for her autograph. She signed her name on the pizza form and gave it back to him. She explained that she had his autograph already. It was the start of a beautiful relationship. They were inseparable from that time forward.

Donny and Lora married in 1999, and welcomed their son Dillon that same year, and then their daughter, Audri, in 2002. They raised their family in Kirtland, NM in the home that Donny grew up in before they eventually settled in Farmington. Donny was a devoted and loving father, never missing an event or opportunity to support his children (including Tae-Kwon-Do, band concerts, dance, basketball and volleyball as well as coaching Dillon in football and baseball, and Audri in soccer. He led by example, teaching them to work hard, love deeply, pray boldly, and strive to be the best version of themselves. In 2020, Donny and Lora became grandparents, “Honey and Pappy,” to Maryalice, which he described as the best part of life. In 2022 their grandson Davidson was born, and in 2023, they welcomed their granddaughter Penelope. A fourth grandchild is due in June. Donny adored his grandchildren and was often seen reading to them, playing with them, and showering them with love. He was the best Pappy. His legacy continues in them. He also loved his daughter-in-law, Katie.

Donny and Lora loved traveling together, whether hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, relaxing with the locals in Hawaii, exploring venues in Seattle, admiring the beauty of Alaska, or enjoying weekend getaways in Pagosa Springs. Wherever they went they found joy. Their trips were filled with music, laughter, and heartfelt conversation.

Donny graduated from Kirtland Central High School with honors in 1992. During high school, he attended AVS (Area Vocational School) at San Juan College and received half a credit from the machine shop program. After high school he continued his education at San Juan College graduating on the dean's list receiving a two-year machine shop certificate. He was a member of VICA (Vocational Clubs of America), participated in football, basketball, and track and field. He had over 25 years of experience in the power generation industry. His career spanned coal, gas, and oil, and simple and combined cycle, and hydro-electric technologies, with positions ranging from Journeyman Machinist, Frontline Supervisor, Planner, Scheduler, and Planning Manager. He was employed by Mountain West Consulting at the time of his passing. 

He was a lifelong friend to many, a cherished husband and father, and a beloved Pappy who will be greatly missed.

Donny was preceded in death by his parents, Douglas Vernon Bradford and Paula Jean Bradford. 

He is survived by his wife, Lora Lee Bradford, his son, Dillon Dane Bradford (Katelyn), his daughter, Audrianna Lee Bradford, and grandchildren, Maryalice Leenoah, Davidson Dale, Penelope Tulip, and one grandchild on the way. Also, mother-in-law, Cerina Tanner; father-in-law, Bruce Schofield (Kathy); his Maboo Lee Cave, siblings, Doug Jr., Debra, Derrall, Danny, and their spouses; brothers-in-law, Jacob Schofield, Chad Greenwade, and Shannon “Boof” Fitzgerald; sisters-in-law, Cherree Greenwade, Natali Schofield, Melissa Schofield, and Lisa Castillo. He also leaves behind many aunts and uncles, dozens of nieces and nephews, including Machell Day, whom he lovingly and jokingly referred to as the little brother he never wanted, as well as many beloved friends and coworkers.

Services will be held at Grace Hill Church on April 29th, at 9:00am. Pastor Tim Castillo will officiate. Following the service, burial will be at Kirtland cemetery. A reception will be held at Grace Hill after the graveside service. Arrangements made by Farmington Funeral Home.

Pallbearers include Dillon Bradford, Jacob Schofield, Curtis Day, Michael Fitzgerald, July Greenwade, Aidan Greenwade, Trevor Schofiled, and Cerrin Castillo.

 Honorary pallbearers include Brian (Cheese) Faircloth, Bruce Schofield, Shannon (Boof) Fitzgerald, and Doug Walker.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to everyone who has sent love, support, and prayers during this difficult time.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants. Psalm 116:15