Mickey Joe Bradshaw passed away on July 15, 2023 at home in Lawrence, KS. Mickey considered Galveston, TX his second home, having spent winters there for the last decade. Mickey was diagnosed with ALS on June 30, 2022. He faced this with grace and humility. He showed us how to live each day with gratitude.
Mickey was born on June 24, 1945 to Joe Roy Bradshaw and Effie Marie (Ward) Bradshaw in Poplar Bluff, MO. He graduated from East Carter High School, Ellsinore, MO in 1963. Mickey proudly served his country as a member of the US Army in Vietnam. He earned his BS in Business at Missouri State University in 1972 and his MBA from Southeast Missouri State University in 1980.
He married Mary Susan “Mert” Dugger on Aug 16, 1980 she survives of the home. He is also survived by son Brian (Cherish) Bradshaw and grandchildren Alexandra, Benjamin, and Isabella Bradshaw all of Houston, TX. Sister Diana (Steve) Lake, sister-in-law Sharon (Ron) Boden. Brother-in-law JL Taylor, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends considered family.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings Leon Eudaley, Bill Eudaley, and Gloria Virginia (Eudaley) Taylor.
Mickey spent his career as an executive in the Medical Supply Chain field for forty plus years. After his retirement from St. Francis Hospital in Topeka, KS he spent the next seven years consulting at hospitals across the US. He was highly respected for his affable personality and ability to implement cost saving solutions.
Mickey had a servant’s heart. He most recently volunteered for Community Village Lawrence where he provided an array of services to Senior citizens. He thrived on hearing their stories and sharing life experiences. In addition, he and Mert were longtime volunteers at TARC in Topeka. Mickey took pride in tending to the landscape and assisting Mert in cooking class. Mickey and Mert were honored as TARC Volunteers of the Year
Mickey was an avid outdoorsmen. He cherished the deer hunting trips with family on the farm in Ellsinore, MO. He enjoyed adventures in Colorado, hunting for elk, and fishing for trout. Mickey and Mert shared a passion for hiking and snowshoeing. They trekked the INCA trail to Machu Picchu, followed by an adventure on the Amazon river where the sighting of pink dolphins, sloths, and jungle hiking made for great memories.
Mickey took every opportunity to dance. He and Mert spent countless hours listening to live music and dancing with friends. His friends who didn’t share Mickey’s passion for dancing, appreciated Mickey’s willingness to be dance partners for their wives. Mickey embraced his golf buddies, playing as much as he could in both the Lawrence and Galveston areas.
Mickey will be remembered for his fun spirit, his gift for storytelling, his love for family and friends, and his unbridled devotion to Mert, his wife, best friend, companion and adventurer.
Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday July 19th 2:00pm at First United Methodist Church 946 Vermont St, Lawrence KS. Reception to follow at the church. Memorials can be made to FUMC 946 Vermont St, Lawrence KS 66044.
Celebration of Life for Mickey Joe Bradshaw -Livestream
Scheduled for Wednesday, July 19, 2023, 2:00 pm
First United Methodist Church, Lawrence, Ks.
