Justin Jay Bedford

Justin Bedford, age 59, passed away due to pancreatic cancer on November 19, 2022, with his family by his side in his home in Tecumseh, Oklahoma.

Justin was born on February 12, 1963 in Porterville, California, to Harvey Allen and Dorothy Jean (Johnson) Bedford.

In his earlier years, he graduated Strathmore High School in 1981, where he had participated in many sports, but his favorites were football, as the quarterback, along with Flat Track motorcycle racing. He moved to Wewoka, Oklahoma, in 1981 with his parents. He met the love of his life, Brandi, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and married on August 31, 1985. They have two children: Justin Scott Bedford and Callie Nicole Avery.

Justin’s career evolved from being an Auto Mechanic (State Street Station – Seminole, OK), a Lab Technician for the Asphalt Department of Materials Division for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, a Testing Lab Tech for Shawnee Asphalt, Haskell Lemons, APAC, Carter Burgess, and to finally being the Testing Lab Manager & Project Inspector with Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.

During his 15+ year tenure with the Bethel Acres Fire Department, he served as First Responder, Lieutenant, Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Chief.

Justin enjoyed fishing, noodling, hunting, scuba diving, Motocross racing, Flat Track racing, travelling with his wife, especially cruises, as well as being a huge fan of NASCAR & Oklahoma State University. He was a high school football referee and assistant coach for elementary wrestling. His favorite holiday was the 4th of July, which he went all out in entertaining family & friends with amateur fireworks that would rival many professional shows. He was an excellent cook, especially when it came to grilling steaks and frying fish and potatoes – always in a competitive battle with his sister, Karen, as to who was the best.

Justin will be remembered as the always optimistic, steadfast, fun-loving prankster that loved playing the drums, whether “air drumming” on the steering wheel or an actual drum set.

Justin was preceded in death by his grandparents, father and mother.

He is survived by his wife of the home, Brandi Bedford, son Justin “Scotty” Bedford & wife Brandi; daughter Callie Avery & husband Johnny, 3 grandchildren: Skylee Avery, Axl Bedford, and Audrey Avery; brother Cliff Bedford; sister Karen Bedford & husband Tom; cousins, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to S.P.A.R. (for his love of dogs) or The Fallen Outdoors (a charity that assists military veterans with hunting and fishing experiences).

Until we all meet again in Heaven, we will keep that drum beat going.