James R. "Barrel" Bedford, Sr., of Sanford, Maine, and formerly of Sellersville, Pennsylvania, passed away Sunday, October 26, 2025, in Sanford.  He was 91. Barrel lived a full and vigorous life in Sellersville before moving to Maine in 2024 with his son, James, Jr.

He was the loving husband of 59 years of the late Irma (Crouthamel) Bedford until her passing on March 29, 2014.

Barrel was the son of the late Melvin and Lucretia "Peg" (Wagner) Bedford.  He was a 1952 graduate of Sell-Perk High School, Perkasie, PA.

He proudly served with the Pennsylvania National Guard, 228th Division, Sellersville, PA, for 30 years until retiring in 1988.

Barrel was employed by the Batesville Casket Company for 28 years until retiring in 1998.  Earlier, he worked various jobs including the former American Olean Tile Co., Lansdale, PA, the former U. S. Gauge Co., Sellersville, PA, and the former Yeakel's Bakery, Quakertown, PA.

A lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan and 60+ year season ticket holder, Barrel enjoyed tailgating at the Eagles' games.  He also loved golfing with his sons, grandsons and best friend, Gordon Frank.  Notably, he golfed with the former Lehigh Valley Hospital Golf Team. In his younger years, he was active with the former Pennridge Jaycees. Barrel loved to tell a good story and, in his free time, watch all sports, Westerns and movies.

He is survived by four children, Beth A. Moyer and her husband Michael, of Perkasie, PA, James R. Bedford, Jr. and his wife Robin, of Sanford, ME, Brian S. Bedford and his wife Brenda, of Sellersville, PA, and Cheryl L. Clymer, also of Sellersville.  He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren who will miss him deeply.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Ray Shaffer and Jack Bedford.

Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 30386, Philadelphia, PA  19103.

Arrangements are by the Suess-Gahman Funeral Home & Crematory, 606 Arch Street, Perkasie, PA.