George Morris Bradfield, II

Sunday, February 14, 2021, George M. Bradfield passed away at his home in Norman, OK, at the age of 89.  He leaves behind his two daughters, Mary Anne Bradfield of Norman, OK, Georgeanna Bradfield Aldy and his son-in-law, Jeff of Osage Beach, MO, and his sister Dr. Sunshine Sanger Sullivan Meyers.  He was preceded in death by his brothers, Dr. Edwin Bradfield Sanger and James Steven “Rowdy” Sanger. George loved his family and bragged on them whenever he had the chance.

Born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to George M. Bradfield and Clara (Beryl) Anthony Bradfield, he was raised by his beloved aunt and uncle Alta (Bradfield) and Dr. Edwin E. Sanger after his Mother died when he was barely a year old.  He called Alta “Mother,” and the couple raised him like a son although his father remained an important part of his life.

George was proud of his family history. His father was the first to drill oil in the Wilcox Sand. His great uncle was Charles Ross (C.R.) Anthony, who had been a leading Oklahoma businessman. George’s family also was among the state’s earliest settlers, with his mother born in the Oklahoma territory and an aunt in Indian territory.  He was equally proud of his adopted family, the Sangers.  Growing up the Uncle who raised him was Mayor of Yukon as well as being a respected dentist and Army Colonel.  At one point there were 13 practicing Sanger physicians in Oklahoma. 

George proudly served in the National Guard, Air Force and reserves during the Korean War. He was assigned to the Strategic Air Command not long after it was established. George moved to Norman, OK, in 1961 after marrying Beverly Anne Lovett, who was the love of his life. George was a businessman and pillar of his community. Through his travel business, George led tours to across the US and overseas to such far-flung locations as China, Russia and the Middle East. George regaled his customers with stories about each location they visited. Most recently George focused his tour and event planning talents on OU football trips where he enjoyed seeing his beloved Sooners with his customers who had become friends in the process.  He showered travelers with fun days that created lasting memories.

Part of the reason George enjoyed the travel business and his customers enjoyed having him take them places was his personality. George never met a stranger. He made friends everywhere he went. He loved people. He loved ideas, and he took an avid interest in politics.  

George loved Oklahoma, and the University of Oklahoma had a special place in his heart. After being a member of OU’s first national championship football team, George did not miss a game.  At one point George traveled back from Venezuela where he was living and working to attend an OU vs Texas game.  George became lifelong best friends with Steve Owens after meeting him at the 1968 Orange Bowl Championship game team party.

Visitation will be held from 2:00-6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 5, 2021, at Havenbrook Funeral Home, 3401 Havenbrook St, Norman, OK 73072.  Graveside services will be held on 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at Yukon Cemetery, 660 Garth Brooks Blvd (Highway 92), Yukon, OK 73009.  A celebration of life service will begin at 12:00 noon at Havenbrook Funeral Home.  A lunch in George’s honor will be held immediately after celebration of life services at the Event Center, 480 24th Ave., NW, Norman, OK 73069.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Thunderbird Clubhouse, PO Box 1666, Norman, OK 73070 or Oklahoma City VA Health Care System Voluntary Service (135), 921 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104 (make checks payable to VAVS).