Howard Eugene “Gene” Bradshaw, son of the late Howard and June (Forrest) Bradshaw, was born Aug. 30, 1951 in Niangua and passed away Dec. 25, 2020, in Cox South Medical Center in Springfield. He was 69 years, 3 months and 26 days of age. Gene was raised in Norwood along with his six siblings. In his adult life, he worked at Brown Shoe Company, Mansfield Steel Plant and hauled cattle, along with farming. Gene loved animals and loved going to the sale barn to do some trading. He had dairy and beef cattle, goats, sheep and also raised chickens to sell. Gene had a love for horses and enjoyed going on trail rides. Gene enjoyed visiting with people and always had a story to tell; some true and some were nothing but big tales. He always had an opinion and wasn’t shy about telling you how you should do things. Gene had made many friends over the years. In his later years, he enjoyed going for rides on his side by side with his friends.
Besides his parents, Gene was preceded in death by two brothers, Hank and Leon Bradshaw, and one sister, Patty Strunk. He is survived by his wife, Donna Coday, of the home in Norwood; one son, Brad Bradshaw and his wife, Melissa, of Norwood; two daughters, Tina Bradshaw and Gerald Mara, of Long Lane; and Tracy Rayburn and her husband, Brad, of Poplar Bluff; nine grandchildren, Dekota, Dalton, Kylie, Izzy, Garrett, Cloe, Chance, Abbi and Lindley; and many nephews, nieces and other relatives and friends who will miss him very much. Visitation for Gene Bradshaw was held Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020, from 6-8 p.m. at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home. Funeral services were held Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020, at 2 p.m., also at the funeral home, with the Rev. John Williams officiating. Song selections were “Go Rest High On That Mountain,” “When I Get Where I’m Going” and “Dancing In The Sky.” Burial will be in Retherford Cemetery, Norwood, at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Retherford Cemetery in care of the funeral home. Arrangements were under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
