Larry V. Bradshaw

Larry V. Bradshaw, 78, of Bellville, passed away Thursday, April 13, 2017 at his residence. Born April 25, 1938 in Leon, Kentucky, he was the son of James and Madgeline (Fuller) Bradshaw. For his first 16 years, he ran wild and free along "Four Mile Creek" and told us many stories of a rich childhood where he feared nothing even though he had nothing. As a young child, he hunted and fished to provide food for his family.

Larry came North on Route 23 and settled in Mansfield in 1954. He served in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1957. In October of 1957, he met Rosalee Boggs and in 1958, he started working at Empire Detroit Steel. He and Rose were married in January of 1959 and they have not parted since, even in death. They raised seven children and provided them with a world filled with love and happiness. He taught his children about love, integrity, honor and the values that would allow them to go forward in the world. His children provided him 14 grandchildren ~ four girls and then ten boys in a row, and two great grandchildren. They all carry on now with the values he and Rose instilled in them. The entire family looked forward to reunions and holidays.

Larry continued his love of hunting and fishing throughout his life. He took all of his children into the deep woods where they had their own Indian Warrior as a guide. He knew every tree, plant and animal ~ he was the Discovery Channel before it was invented ~ and taught his children all about the miracles of nature. There wasn't a morel mushroom or ginseng plant that could hide from him. Larry was the most spiritual man and he was one with nature. He was a deadeye shot with a rifle, shotgun, pistol or bow and taught his children respect for firearms and gun safety. He always seemed to catch the biggest fish but always made sure his children also caught fish.

Larry worked at Empire Reeves/Detroit Steel until March of 1995, retiring after his youngest of seven children graduated from college. He was a master electrician who could fix anything and everything and was often called on to do so by many friends and family. He loved to help anyone he could. He was an electrician, plumber, auto mechanic, builder, carpenter and world class engineer all wrapped up into one. He also helped build fantastic Pinewood Derby Cars. Although not as active as he wished, he was a proud member of the Venus Lodge #152 F&AM.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rosalee, whom he called "Honey" until the end; his sons, Jeffery Bradshaw (Kathy) of Dublin, Ohio and Commander Matt Bradshaw (Celeste) of New Albany, Ohio; his daughters, Sheila Bradshaw (Marty Huffman), Brenda Hermann (Sonnie) and Alice Matthews (Nate Chevalier) all of Mansfield; his daughter-in-law, Hope Bradshaw; his loving granddaughters, Tiffiney, Brittney, Timberly and Morgan; his loving grandsons, Jarred, Blake, Alec, Dylan, Joshua, Race, Dane, Gunner, Hunter and Dax; a great grandson, Dougie; and newly arrived great granddaughter, Skyler. He has impacted them just as he did his children.

Larry will always be loved by his brothers, Danny, Chalmer, Mick, Woody and Terry along with his sisters, Phyllis, Mary and Ruth.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Madgeline Bradshaw and his beloved sons, Shannon Bradshaw and Christopher Bradshaw, whom he missed very much and is now reunited with.

To his family, Larry is the greatest man ever ~ a super hero to his children and grandchildren. He will be missed beyond comprehension but he will always be present to guide us and to love us. He will be waiting for us on the other side, in Heaven.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond Street, Mansfield conducted by Brother Don Stallard. Burial will follow in Mansfield Cemetery where full military honors will be conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail and the United States Air Force. Friends may call two hours prior to the service, from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home on Tuesday where Masonic services will be held at 1:45 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, Akron Children's Hospital or St. Jude Children's Hospital.