Luther Arley Bradshaw

Luther Arley Bradshaw, son of the late John and Thula (Ethridge) Bradshaw, was born on June 18, 1927 in Springfield, Missouri, where the family lived for a few years. He passed away on January 9, 2014 at his home, south of Norwood, Missouri, surrounded by his family. He was 86 years, 6 months, and 21 days of age.
Luther was raised in Norwood, Missouri and attended rural one room schools. As a young man, one of his first jobs was driving for Ford Motor Company in the Norwood area. In 1947, one of Luther’s prize possessions was his 1940 red Ford Coupe with a rumble seat and large spotlights. This quickly drew Pauline Dunlap’s attention after being introduced to him by his sister Juanita, as he lounged in the grass in Norwood City Park. The story told over the years was that Pauline fell in love with Luther’s Coupe first, but quickly after fell in love with him. They were married on July 3, 1948 and bought their farm on Highway C, south of Norwood, where they still lived. Three children were born to this union, Larry, Laurel, and Reta. Later, Luther and Pauline added Eric and Tanya to their family.
Luther worked for Frisco Railroad until the family moved to Michigan in 1952, where he worked for General Motors for eight years.
They moved back to their Norwood farm in 1960. Luther was employed by Tobin Hamilton Shoe Factory in Mansfield, Missouri and later worked as a janitor for Norwood School.
He retired at the age of 62 from Mans-Steel Company in Mansfield. Luther was in his 50’s when he was saved and baptized at the Norwood Assembly of God Church. He later became a member and enjoyed attending services until his health started failing.
Following his retirement, Luther enjoyed raising beef cattle on his farm, and fishing and boating at Theodosia, Missouri. He loved taking his grandkids for a ride on his tractor and visiting with his family and many friends.
His last few years were mainly spent at home, sitting on the front porch with his best friend, Buddy his dog, while Pauline worked nearby in her flower gardens and doing yard work.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a son: Larry Bradshaw; four brothers: Don Bradshaw, Lester Bradshaw, Eugene Bradshaw, Lee Bradshaw, and Henry Bradshaw; a sister: Edith Sinning, and by an infant sister: Mary Francis.
He is survived by his loving wife: Pauline Bradshaw of their home; a son: Eric Norheim and his wife, Louanna, of Norwood, Missouri; three daughters: Laurel Hall and her husband, Larry, of Macomb, Missouri, Missouri, Reta Walker of Norwood, Missouri, and Tanya Tripp and her husband, Doug, of Seymour, Missouri; two sisters: Juanita Sinning and Betty Davidson of Mtn. Grove, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends who will sadly miss him.

Visitation:
Sunday, January 12, 2014 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home.

Memorial Contributions:
Norwood Assembly of God, or Retherford Cemetery in c/o the funeral home.