Floyd Eugene Bradbury

Floyd Eugene Bradbury, 95, founder of the Bradbury Company of Moundridge, Kansas, passed away on December 26, 2025, at his home in Orange Park, Florida, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on February 8, 1930, Floyd was raised in southeast Kansas as the oldest of nine children, learning early the values of hard work and humility. He graduated from Labette County High School in 1948 and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he was a crew chief on the B-29 bomber “Lil’ Chichaco.” It was during these formative years that Floyd developed a lifelong love for aviation.

In 1952, Floyd married Dorotha Seward and adopted her sons, David and Steven, embracing them fully as his own. Together, they welcomed three more children—Phil, Kevin, and Susan.

In 1959, Floyd and Dorotha moved their family to Moundridge, Kansas, where Floyd founded the Bradbury Company. With a deep commitment to people and his philosophy of “Do it from the heart,” the company grew from humble beginnings into what is now the Bradbury Group—a world leader in roll forming with more than 800 employees worldwide.

In 1983, Floyd moved to Puerto Rico, a place he held close to his heart after earlier time spent there during his Air Force service in the 1950s. His home by the beach became a gathering place for friends and family—always welcoming, always filled with laughter and stories.

In 1992, Floyd married Valerie Lestrade. Together, they shared 33 beautiful years of marriage, traveling the world, cherishing time with family, and creating countless memories filled with love and joy.

Floyd was a Mason and served on numerous community and professional boards. A licensed pilot, he maintained a lifelong passion for flying, often piloting his private aircraft for both business and pleasure. Known for his infectious smile and quick wit, Floyd embraced everyone he met, and his warmth, humor, and genuine kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Floyd was the heart of a large blended family, and he loved without distinction—embracing each person as his own. He is survived by his devoted wife, Valerie; sons David (Diana) Bradbury of Hutchinson, Kansas; Phil (Marilyn) Bradbury and Kevin Bradbury of St. George, Utah; daughter Susan Bradbury of Cheney, Kansas; stepdaughter Latoya (Edgardo) Santiago of Orange Park, Florida; stepdaughter Sandra (Dwight) Caines of St. Kitts; stepsons Anthony Lestrade of Barbados and Wayne (Beulah) Campbell of Tortola, BVI; brothers Robert (Alice) Bradbury of Neosho, Missouri; Doug (Marge) Bradbury of Shreveport, Louisiana, and sister Judy McGuiness of Topeka, Kansas; along with 23 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by five siblings, his son Steven, and his grandson Dustin Bradbury.

Floyd Eugene Bradbury was a remarkable man whose life was defined by love, service, generosity, and joy. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched—and through the smiles, stories, and hearts that will forever remember him.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. (EST) at Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home in Orange Park, Florida. A visitation will take place on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.

Graveside services with full military honors will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Lake Creek Union Cemetery in Edna, Kansas, with David W. Barnes Funeral Home in charge.

A Celebration of Life will follow on Sunday, January 18, 2026 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Bradbury Company in Moundridge, Kansas. Friends and loved ones are warmly invited to gather and share their memories of the “larger than life” Floyd Bradbury with his family.

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