Walter Bedford

Funeral Information

The Funeral Service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at Salem United Methodist Church, Pigeon, with Rev. David Stewart, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Caseville Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Caseville United Methodist Church or Salem United Methodist Church. Memories may be shared online a meyersieckbussemafuneralhome.com VISITATION AT MEYERSIECK-BUSSEMA FUNERAL HOME, PIGEON: Friday, January 30 2 – 8 p.m. AND AT SALEM UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, PIGEON: Saturday, January 31 10 a.m. until the service at 11 a.m.

Family of the Deceased

His survivors include his wife, Ellamae Bedford of Pigeon; his children, Nancy Bedford of Bad Axe, Walt (Kristin) Bedford of Aurora, Colorado, Jeff (Carmen) Bedford of Caseville, and Bob (Michele) Bedford of St. Clair; stepchildren, Mick (Lynn) Conners and Colleen (Paul) Poisson, both of Caseville, Jeff Diachenko of Bay Port, Melony (Marc) Cross of Texas, Teresa Stiles of Flint, and Chris (Mike) Bean of Swartz Creek; step daughter-in-law, Susan (Conners) Krueger of Caseville; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, Clark (Sandra) Bedford of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; sister, Ruth Leinweber of Pigeon; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his son, Ronald; stepson, Patrick; and former wives, Elinor and June.

Biography

Walter Howard Bedford, 87 of Pigeon and Caseville, passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at Courtney Manor in Bad Axe. Howard was born in Caseville Township on January 3, 1928, and was the son of Walter H. and Clara G. (Gwinn) Bedford. He graduated from Pigeon High School. On July 11, 1994 he was united in marriage to Ellamae Christner Diachenko at the Salem United Methodist Church, Pigeon. He was previously married to Elinor Rathje and June Conners. Howard had worked for Pigeon Manufacturing, and owned and operated Bedford Disposal for many years, retiring in 1983. He was an accomplished musician, playing tenor saxophone throughout his lifetime. He played with numerous musical groups, including the Howard Bedford Band and Act Three. His most recent recording was with Jim Felske. Howard enjoyed tinkering with his antique tractors, performing, and spending time with his friends and family. He was a member of the F.O.E. #3690 in Caseville. He attended the Hayes and Salem United Methodist Churches, and was a member at the Caseville United Methodist Church.

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