SHINER: William H. (Bill) Bradfield, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on October 8, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on August 18, 1934, in Muncie, Indiana, to Leona Rose Colegrove and Herbert Henry Bradfield.
Bill lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service. He married the love of his life, Jane, on August 27, 1955. Together, they shared over seventy remarkable years of marriage and raised three children: Connie, Mimi, and Robert. Bill was a man of deep integrity, a tireless work ethic, and a generous heart. A proud businessman and longtime resident of Shiner, he owned and operated the local John Deere dealership—Shiner-Filley Distributing Company—from 1968 to 2005. During those years, he also served multiple terms as President of the Shiner Chamber of Commerce, always seeking to give back to the town he loved. An active and devoted Rotarian, Bill built lasting friendships worldwide. He served as Club President, District Governor, and Chief Sergeant-at-Arms at an unprecedented three international Rotary conventions. His dedication to Rotary’s mission, Service Above Self, took him to six continents in support of humanitarian efforts.
Bill also proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant First Class. He took great pride in his role as a Drill Sergeant, training some of the first troops sent to Vietnam. Beyond his professional and service commitments, Bill found great joy in his ranch, cheering for the Texas Longhorns, and supporting his hometown Shiner Comanches. He was happiest when surrounded by family, especially when watching the next generation grow.
Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Jane; his children, Connie Bradfield, Mimi Schaefer (Randy), and Robert Bradfield (Barbara); his grandchildren, Maci McDonald (Cole), Reid Schaefer, Rachael Bradfield Horton (Caleb), and William Bradfield; his great-grandchildren, Killian, Vivienne, and Maverick McDonald; and a great-granddaughter on the way, Riley Horton.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leona and Herbert Bradfield, and his sisters, Anne Green and Mary Briggs.
Visitation 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home.
Funeral service 11 a.m., Saturday, October 18, 2025 at United Methodist Church in Shiner with Pastor Rusty Moore and Taylor Gregory officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Shiner Mausoleum.
Pallbearers: Reid Schaefer, Cole McDonald, William Bradfield, Killian McDonald, Matt Green, Garlan Weber, Fred Hilscher, Bev Osburn, Alex Remschel and Bruce Bayless.
Honorary Pallbearers: All fellow Rotarians
Memorials may be given to: Bill Bradfield Scholarship Fund.