Dean Bedford, 85, life-long resident of East Canton, PA was called home to his Savior while surrounded by his family on Tuesday, May 3, 2016, from Twin Oaks Personal Care Home in Granville Summit.
Dean Roger Bedford was born March 16, 1931 in Sayre, PA, a son of the late Charles and Hazel (Rogers) Bedford. He was a member of the 1949 graduating class of Canton High School before serving our country as a Corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
Dean found his calling early in life. Raised on the family farm in East Canton, he along with his brother Jack later purchased the dairy. With dedicated work and planning, the Bedford Brothers Farm developed a registered Holstein herd into what became known as the “Bedford Crest Line”. After retiring in 1995, Dean remained active and enjoyed helping his nephews at Albavale Farm for several years.
Dean also was very involved in his community. He was a life-member of the East Canton United Methodist Church and a 50-year supporter and member of the Bradford County Conservation District. He held offices with the East Canton Cemetery Assoc., the Beech Flats Grange No. 336, Canton’s Rekindle the Spirit and was a Canton School Board member for many years. Dean was proud of his children and especially loved times shared with his grandkids. Always one to be busy with a project, he enjoyed doing many things.
He was an accomplished gardener who could also cook, bake and can. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, making maple syrup and walked 2 miles every day well into his 80’s.
Dean Roger Bedford was born March 16, 1931 in Sayre, PA, a son of the late Charles and Hazel (Rogers) Bedford. He was a member of the 1949 graduating class of Canton High School before serving our country as a Corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
Dean found his calling early in life. Raised on the family farm in East Canton, he along with his brother Jack later purchased the dairy. With dedicated work and planning, the Bedford Brothers Farm developed a registered Holstein herd into what became known as the “Bedford Crest Line”. After retiring in 1995, Dean remained active and enjoyed helping his nephews at Albavale Farm for several years.
Dean also was very involved in his community. He was a life-member of the East Canton United Methodist Church and a 50-year supporter and member of the Bradford County Conservation District. He held offices with the East Canton Cemetery Assoc., the Beech Flats Grange No. 336, Canton’s Rekindle the Spirit and was a Canton School Board member for many years. Dean was proud of his children and especially loved times shared with his grandkids. Always one to be busy with a project, he enjoyed doing many things.
He was an accomplished gardener who could also cook, bake and can. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, making maple syrup and walked 2 miles every day well into his 80’s.
The Bedford family is thankful to everyone at Twin Oaks and wishes to acknowledge the special care and friendship Dean received at his most recent home.
Surviving are children Kirk (Kellie) Bedford, Canton and Kim Bedford (Lori Kocher), Mechanicsburg; grandchildren; Jeremy (Rebecca) Bedford, Washington DC, Justin (Ashley) Bedford and Brandon (Cassandra) Fitzwater all of Canton, Brynn Kocher and Jena Bedford both of Mechanicsburg; three great grandchildren; Levi and Katy Fitzwater, Sophie Bedford and a baby Bedford on the way; sister and brother; Joey Herman and Jack Bedford both of Canton, several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends and neighbors. Also especially close friends, Pete and Cinda Swain of Granville and his dear Army buddy, George and Ann Kirchner (and family) of Perryopolis, PA.
Dean was predeceased by a twin sister, Erdean Bedford Brown, two nieces; Barbara Brown and Darla Bedford and a brother-in-law, Frank Herman.
The funeral service was held on May 7 at the East Canton U.M. Church. Rev. Dr. Dianne H. Bentley and Pastor Darren Peachey officiated. Military honors were accorded.
Burial was in East Canton Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials in Mr. Bedford’s name may be made to East Canton U.M. Church, 5791 Rt. 414 Canton, PA 17724 or to Twin Oaks Personal Care Home, with a notation of Activity Fund, 1100 Cowley Rd. Granville Summit, PA 16926.
Share condolences at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were under the direction of the Pepper Funeral Home, Canton.
Surviving are children Kirk (Kellie) Bedford, Canton and Kim Bedford (Lori Kocher), Mechanicsburg; grandchildren; Jeremy (Rebecca) Bedford, Washington DC, Justin (Ashley) Bedford and Brandon (Cassandra) Fitzwater all of Canton, Brynn Kocher and Jena Bedford both of Mechanicsburg; three great grandchildren; Levi and Katy Fitzwater, Sophie Bedford and a baby Bedford on the way; sister and brother; Joey Herman and Jack Bedford both of Canton, several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends and neighbors. Also especially close friends, Pete and Cinda Swain of Granville and his dear Army buddy, George and Ann Kirchner (and family) of Perryopolis, PA.
Dean was predeceased by a twin sister, Erdean Bedford Brown, two nieces; Barbara Brown and Darla Bedford and a brother-in-law, Frank Herman.
The funeral service was held on May 7 at the East Canton U.M. Church. Rev. Dr. Dianne H. Bentley and Pastor Darren Peachey officiated. Military honors were accorded.
Burial was in East Canton Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials in Mr. Bedford’s name may be made to East Canton U.M. Church, 5791 Rt. 414 Canton, PA 17724 or to Twin Oaks Personal Care Home, with a notation of Activity Fund, 1100 Cowley Rd. Granville Summit, PA 16926.
Share condolences at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were under the direction of the Pepper Funeral Home, Canton.
