Arthur "Art" E. Bedford

Arthur "Art" E. Bedford, 76, of Eldon, IA passed away on Monday, April 20, 2026 at his home. As were Art's wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at the K.D. Center in Eldon on May 30, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Art’s honor may be made to the Eldon Depot Museum. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Art was born on August 29, 1949, to James and Martha Bedford in Ottumwa, Iowa. He attended elementary school in Eldon and graduated from Cardinal High School in 1967.

After graduating, Art worked for the Rock Island Railroad as an engineer until it shut down in 1980. After that he worked for Marvin Creech building farm buildings, then Rockwell/Meritor until he moved on to John Deere where he was a machinist, then worked on the assembly line until he retired in 2014.

Art was married to Peggy Grove in 1967, then later divorced. He married Pam Bedford in 1986.

When he wasn’t working, Art could be found hunting, fishing, working in his garden or visiting with family and friends. Art was known for his love of the river and the outdoors, dogs, and famous 4th of July parties where cars lined the road and boats lined the riverbank.

Art was preceded in death by his father, James Bedford, brother Jim Bedford, daughter Kristi Leedom, and friends and relatives too numerous to count.

Art is survived by his mother, Martha, sisters, Sue (Tony) Cole and Mary Streeby, son Brian (Holly) Bedford, stepdaughter Holly (Brian) Bedford, stepson Aaron (Heather) Smith, nieces and nephews, six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, who he was known to as “Granddad”.

He will be dearly missed.