Mr. John Bedford

John Samuel Bedford, Jr. transitioned August 16, 2021.  John was born, May 23, 1947, in Kansas City, Missouri to the late John S. Bedford, Sr. and the late Lillie Mae Bedford (Williamson).  John was the oldest of three children to that union.  He was proceeded in death by both parents, his brother Willis S. Bedford, his sister Paula D. Mahone and a nephew Derrick D. Pettit.

John was a lifelong Kansas City resident and was educated in the Kansas City, Missouri school district.  John graduated from Central High School, the class of 1965.  After high school graduation, John briefly lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin but later returned to Kansas City, Missouri.

In February 1972, John married his high school sweetheart, Gloria Davis.  To that union two children were born, Alease and Kareem Bedford.

John was a commercial painting contractor by trade.  He owned several painting companies in the Kansas City area.  He was a member of Black Enterprise of Kansas City, and several Minority Contractor groups.    After gaining his sobriety in 1987, John was instrumental in helping others do the same.   For the last 34 years, John has worked with several Alcoholic Anonymous groups and several drug rehabilitation groups.  John was a fierce advocate of helping lead others to sobriety and living a drug free life.

John loved to travel, he was an avid reader and loved being with his family and friends.  John was also known for his fashion sense.  He was a snazzy dresser and had a fedora hat to match any and every outfit he wore.  

John was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all.  He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter Alease Bedford Chaney (Michael), of Kansas City, MO, his son Kareem Bedford of Kansas City, MO and his son Mario (Rochelle) Stevenson of Norton Shores, MI; his companion Gloria Bedford of Kansas City, MO. His granddaughters Tiffany Boykin and Tanitra Bedford both of Kansas City, MO; Dominique and Briana Stevenson, both of Muskegon, IL and his grandson Kaseem Bedford of Kansas City, MO.  Sisters Naomi Bedford Shirley and Sharon Williamson, both of Kansas City, MO.  Niece Sonya Johnston (Johnnie) of Kansas City, MO and nephew Brandon (Amanda) Bedford of St. Louis, MO.    John also leaves behind an uncle Doyle (Betsy) Bedford of Chicago, IL.  John leaves behind a host of other family, friends, and colleagues.  

Funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 27, 2021, 11:00am at the Watkins Heritage Chapel. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10am-11am at the chapel. Service conducted by Watkins Heritage Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website. Due to COVID-19 protocols, social distancing and face coverings are required indoors.

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