Sylvester “Allen” Bradford Jr. was born September 28, 1931, to loving parents, Amy Biggs Bradford and Sylvester “Vett” Bradford, in his life-long home of Spanish Fork, Utah. His parents taught him the value of hard work and kindness; lessons that guided his decisions all throughout his life. An athlete in his youth, Allen ran track and played football. He has often recounted stories of running the 100-yard-dash in “under 10 seconds” and matching pace with the fastest kid in the state on the 800-meter race, though he did vow to never try that a second time.

As a young man, he helped his father to work and operate their family gravel pit, which provided gravel for cement for all of Utah County. This work provided him with the funds to fulfill his desire to serve as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He boldly declared the truthfulness of Christ’s restored gospel in the Texas, Dallas-Fort Worth mission. Allen built upon the foundational missionary service he offered as a young man in Texas, as he continually testified of Christ to friends and strangers alike at every opportunity throughout his life. He served as a ward missionary, even into his old age.

Following his mission, Allen was drafted by the United States Army, where he happily gave his services as a cook. His time in the armed forces saw him stationed in England and provided opportunities to explore his mother’s native Wales and all the skills necessary to make both the most perfect flapjacks and the most terrifying soups his kids and grandkids have ever pretended to eat.

Upon his return home to Utah, he was introduced to “a beautiful young school-teacher,” who quickly became the love of his life. Allen was sealed to Anita Louise Carroll for time and all eternity in the Los Angeles, California Temple on June 7, 1956.  Throughout his marriage, Allen personified characteristics of devotion, encouragement, and support for his wife and family. Allen and Anita were blessed with five children, twelve grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren (with more on the way). Allen’s example of unconditional love has influenced them all.

He had a wonderful career with Mountain Fuel Supply (now Dominion Energy), where he spent 35 years working as serviceman, retiring in 1991. He was known to provide services free for those in need and was often requested by widows and struggling families because of his reputation for kindness and generosity.

Allen offered service not only in his career, but in all aspects of life, without ever casting judgement or making assumptions. Allen saw only the absolute best in people. His natural characteristics of acceptance and tolerance lead him to become an active supporter of equality for women and minorities, devoting countless hours with his wife to raising awareness of local political issues and working to provide others with opportunities for advancement and accomplishment.

In his free time, Allen kept a large vegetable garden, a passion inherited from his father. He loved to cook and share his vegetables with friends and neighbors. He loved people, good conversations, old western movies, tabasco sauce, tater tots, Cheetos, and his down coat. He took every opportunity to tell a story, especially if that story gave him the chance to talk about how all the wonderful things his parents, wife, children or grandchildren have been able to accomplish.

Allen passed peacefully on December 28, 2020, surrounded by family to be reunited with his sweetheart. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sylvester Allen “Vett” Bradford and Amy Biggs Bradford; son, Adam Bradford; and wife, Anita Louise Carroll Bradford. He is survived by his children: Joel (Mari) Bradford, Gene (Lori) Bradford, Dan (Kerri) Bradford, and Kathleen (Quinn) Bradford Millington, as well as his twelve grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; and his brothers, Bob (Georgia) Bradford and Boyd (Ardith) Bradford.

Graveside service, with military honors accorded, will be at 2:00 p.m. at Spanish Fork City Cemetery.