John Bradshaw Jr.

John Loats Bradshaw, Jr. of Frederick, MD, died June 23, 2017 at his home. He was the husband of Katherine “Kitty” (Grove) Bradshaw for 67 years.

Born July 20, 1925 in Frederick, he was the son of the late John Loats Bradshaw Sr. and Lula Rice Bradshaw.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving in the Pacific. Following his discharge in 1946, he attended Bridgewater and Western Maryland Colleges. He was recalled to active duty during the Korean War in 1950 and served a total of 43 years in the military.

John was a microbiologist at Ft. Detrick and served at Military Sealift Command in Washington, DC until his retirement in 1975. John and Kitty then took over The Green Acre Nursery from her parents, Chester and Emma Grove. He was a boy scout and a member of Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was a life member of: the American Legion #11, VFW #3285, NARFE, AARP and a founding member of FALCAN, Lutheran Men’s Club, Maryland Farm Bureau and The Korean Last Man’s Club.

Also surviving are five children: Gail Bradshaw (John’s loving caregiver who helped make his life easier), Jeffery Bradshaw (Tresa), Timothy Bradshaw, Jennifer Jacobs (Larry), and Katherine “Kate” Dennis; four grandchildren: Adam IntVeldt, Shantz Blank, Emma Blank and Rachel Dennis; three great grandchildren: Eve, Aleya, Eli and several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren. Also surviving: brother, Joseph Bradshaw (Georgie); sisters, Eva Dean and Francis Nusbaum; sister-in-law, Claire Bradshaw; brother-in-laws, James Grove and Larry Grove (Debbie) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by siblings: Geraldine Ewing, Sandra Castle, and David Bradshaw.

John’s fist love was his family. They enjoyed their cabin on the Potomac, fishing, hunting, camping and gardening. They travelled all over the U.S. including a trip Alaska with friends Hilda and Albert McPherson and bus trips. He learned to make split bamboo fly rods from his father-in-law and fished and hunted with him and his sons. He was also a Big Redskins fan!

From the family: Good company on a journey makes the way seem worthwhile. What better company did I have than you, John, to walk by my side and share Life’s Journey. Love forever and beyond, Kitty.

Dad got my puns and continues to go with the flow. (Gail)

Dad was a great father but an even better Dad, because he was always there for us. (Jeff)

Always worked hard to support the family and was my good fishing buddy. (Tim)

You were the most kind, caring, hardworking and loving Dad, love to you always. (Jenny)

Dad, I’ll forever be holding your center two fingers. (Kate)

Visitation will be at Keeney & Basford Funeral Home, on Tuesday, June 27 from 5-7pm. The funeral will be at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 28, at 1pm. Officiating will be Pastor Douglas Jones and Deacon Michael O’Donnell. Interment will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John’s memory to St. Judes Hospital for Children, Evangelical Lutheran Church, Frederick, or the Wounded Warriors Foundation.

The family sincerely thanks the medical staff at FMH and Homewood. A special thanks goes to Hospice and those who prayed for and continue to pray for our family.

Condolences may be shared at www.keeneybasford.com