Jeffrey Davis Bedford, 53, of Haileyville, Oklahoma, was delivered from the world into the hands of a merciful God on September 28, 2025, surrounded by his wife, children, and loving family.

Jeff, as he was more commonly known, had a very stubborn streak. A man that could find a way to be right even when he was wrong. He was also a loving man, a man who loved with everything he had.

Jeff was a skilled mechanic that enjoyed working on cars, probably one of his favorite pastimes. He was also a talented artist and could draw whatever he put his mind to. Many would call him a jack of all trades. There were not many things Jeff could not do. He had an uncanny ability to see "potential" in what most people would throw away. He could do the same with people.

Jeff enjoyed helping people, which came from the love he had for others. Jeff retired from the Haileyville Fire Department after 20 years of service. Jeff also worked for several ambulance companies around the area, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He was a counselor after attending Eastern Oklahoma State College, he obtained a degree from East Central University. He loved to hear people's stories and help them work through their problems. Each of his patients were special to him.

Jeff married Melissa Marmon in 1992, the two had 4 children. Warner, Jacob, (Clarence) Kane, and Destiny. Jeff did not hesitate to give of himself and whatever he had to his children.

Later in life, Jeff married Tara (Kessler) Bedford. Jeff then earned an additional child, Austin Archer. Jeff was proud of all his children, but he was exceptionally proud of his grandchildren, who had a special bond with him.  He loved to make them smile and tell anyone that would listen how proud he was of them.

Jeff will be greatly missed by many who called him friend. His family will move forward with a hole in their heart and a yearning to see him again.

Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Earnest Robert (Bob) Bedford II; his mother, (Mary) Elois Bedford; and his brother-in-law, Edward Leflore.

Jeff leaves behind a beautiful wife, Tara (Kessler) Bedford of the home; four sons, Warner and his wife Lacie Bedford of Wilburton, Oklahoma, Jacob and his wife Molly of Haileyville, Oklahoma, (Clarence) Kane Bedford and his girlfriend Paige Kemp, of McAlester, Oklahoma and Austin Archer and his fiancé Autumn Fletcher of McAlester; he also leaves behind one daughter, Destiny Bedford, of the Tulsa area;

Jeff also leaves behind several grandchildren, Kayten, Keaton, Khloe, Layla and Bella Bedford; and Sandy, Reed, and Elton Archer; a brother, Sonny and his wife Cindy of Hartshorne, Oklahoma; and a sister, Nancy and husband Tim Mills of McAlester, Oklahoma; several loved nieces and nephews.

Viewing will be on Thursday, October 2, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.  Services will be 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025 at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home Chapel in Hartshorne, Oklahoma with Pastor Daniel Taylor officiating. Jeff will be interred at Elmwood Cemetery in Hartshorne, Oklahoma. Active pallbearers will be Chuck Bednarek, Tommy Cozad, Johnny Nichols, Vinny Roberts, O.J. Ward, and Johnny Joe James.  Honorary pallbearers will be Nikolas Kessler, Trent Kessler, Collin Kessler, Eddie LeFlore, Sam LeFlore, Robert Bedford, and Hank Trammell.