Donald “Don” Bradshaw did not live a life meant for bullet points. He lived a life built from faith, love of his family, and the occasional practical joke that he would deny with an impressively straight face.
He grew up in Texas and built his life in Eastland, where he somehow managed to convince people that accounting was fun. His office was known less for taxes and more for the morning coffee crowd who wandered in for conversation, good company, and at least one story that may or may not have been true.
Don was born in Eastland, TX. On August 22, 1964 Don married the love of his life, Rosalie Waynick, in McCamey. Their Marriage spanned over six decades and together they raised two sons, Keith and Scott. Don was not only a devoted husband and father but also a cherished member of the Eastland community. He proudly served with the Lion’s Club, played an inte-Ol’RIP Parade committee and was the honored recipient of the Eastland Golden Deed Award in 1983. He also served as Deacon of the First Baptist Church in Eastland since the early 90’s.
He had a lifelong love of woodworking, hunting and fishing, but at some point, the deer started looking a little too endearing and he did not enjoy shooting them. Woodworking was
role in the very first steady comfort. A piece of wood in his hands became furniture, a gift, or simply proof that patience and intention create something worthwhile.
What made Don unforgettable was his humor. It was not loud or attention- seeking. It was the perfectly timed remark, the smirk that said he absolutely did move your keys just to watch you look for them, the prank executed so gently that you could not help but laugh. He believed life was better when you did not take yourself too seriously.
He leaves behind his wife Rosalie, who is still the love of his life, and his two sons who carry his stubbornness, and his kindness: Keith Bradshaw of Eastland and Scott Bradshaw and husband Mark Johnson of Massachusetts.
Don did not make a big show of anything. He did the right thing quietly, lived with generosity, and left people better than he found them. His family and friends already miss that twinkle in his eye that meant he had a joke coming, whether you were ready for it or not. He built a good life. A steady life. A life that will continue to shape the people he loved.
