Perry K. Bradshaw

Perry K. Bradshaw, passed away on July 22, 2023 at the age of 83 at home surrounded by his family.

Perry was born on January 27, 1940, the 11th of 13 children, to Daniel and Opal (Eubanks) Bradshaw in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Perry graduated from Spirit Lake Consolidated High School in 1958, and Humboldt Institute trade school in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He then went to work in Chicago for the Milwaukee Railroad before returning to Spirit Lake where he married Ruby Johnson on May 28, 1960. Together they had three children; Todd, Terisa, and Tamra.

The family moved to Des Moines, Iowa in 1963 when Perry went to work for Firestone Tire and Rubber Company Retread shop as a tire builder. He retired from there as plant manager in 1984, when the plant closed. From 1984 to 1992 Perry owned and operated the Park Avenue Pub on Des Moines’ south side. He sponsored numerous soft ball, dart and pool teams and held the best golf tournaments and picnics imaginable. While enjoying those years, he always said it was the hardest years of his working career. Perry last worked for A.H. Blank Golf Course ground’s maintenance until full retirement in 2004. He lived to golf, attend University of Iowa football games, watch sports on T.V. and spend time with his family and friends.


In 1971 Perry accepted the position of manager of a Pee Wee baseball team of 8-year-olds. He continued managing teams through Senior League when the boys aged out at 15. This consumed his time only in the spring and summer, so in the fall he assisted coaching Little All-American football teams. He was also an active member and one time president of the Lincoln High Ambassador’s Club.

In December 2003 he and Ruby began spending their winters in Sun City, Arizona where they could enjoy golf instead of shoveling snow.

Perry was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Kenneth, Merle, Dane, Keith, Robert and Paul; sisters, Sandra, Juanita and Leota. He is survived by his spouse, Ruby; children, Todd (Tina) Bradshaw, Terisa (Jay) Brunning, and Tamra (Michael) Sullivan; sisters, Leona Audino, Patricia Sander and Sharon Menifee. Also surviving are grandchildren, Daniele (Shelly) Thraen, Justin (Ashley) Schlegel, Chelsea Bradshaw, Eric (Laura) Naragon, Nicholas (Ashlee) Bradshaw, Jordan, Samuel and Claudia Sullivan and great-grandchildren, Nevaeh (Daniele) Naragon, Audri, Trenton, Hunter and Ayva (Eric) Naragon, and Marli and Silas (Nick) Bradshaw. Perry enjoyed his large family including lots and lots of nephews, nieces and cousins.

The family extends their gratitude to Unity Point Hospice and their team for the care and support provided.

In lieu of flowers, it is Perry’s wish that any donations should be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in his memory.

The family will greet friends Sunday, July 30, 2023 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. A private inurnment will be held at a later date at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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