Richard A. Bradshaw

Richard A. Bradshaw, 89, of Berryton, passed away on Friday, May 23, 2025. He was born June 19, 1935 in Manhattan, Kansas, the son of Melvin and Modene (Frakes) Bradshaw.

Richard graduated from Circleville High School. He joined the Topeka Fire Department in 1958, where he served for 34 years before retiring as Fire Chief in 1992. He was a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical stage Employees Union; serving as the local President for several years. Richard was a member of the Kansas Fire Chiefs Association, and a Lobbyist for the Kansas Legislature representing the Kansas State Firefighters Association, Inc. for many years. He was a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Richard was a devoted member of St. Matthew Catholic Church.

Richard and Carol traveled extensively, always enjoying their time together. They met many new friends during their travels. They spent 30 years during the winter in Florida, their home away from home. Richard loved to hunt and fish, enjoying many great trips with his son Allen.

Richard married Carol Ann Waugh on August 24, 1957 in Waverly, Kansas. She preceded him in death on February 10, 2015.

Survivors include their three children, Allen Bradshaw and wife, Pam of Tecumseh, Cindy Bradshaw and husband, Robert of Topeka, Cheri Croucher and husband, David of Michigan Valley, Kansas, one granddaughter, Jessica Poell of Onaga, Ks. and two great-grandsons, Brayden and Luke Poell.

A Topeka Fire Department Bell Service will take place at 6:00 p.m. Monday, June 2, 2025 at Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. and be provided by Firefighters Local No. 83 Honor Guard. At the conclusion, the family will receive friends until 7:30 p.m.

A Parish Rosary will be prayed at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2025 followed by a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Private inurnment will take place in Pleasant Hill Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to The Topeka Fireman’s Ladies Auxiliary, c/o the Topeka Fireman’s Credit Union, 619 SE Rice Rd., Topeka, Kansas 66607 or to Local #83 Honor Guard c/o the Topeka Fireman’s Credit Union, 619 SE Rice Rd., Topeka, Kansas 66607 or to St. Matthew Catholic Church, 2700 SE Virginia Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66605.

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