Joseph "Merl" Bradshaw

Joseph “Merl” Bradshaw, age 90 of Fairfield, passed away May 4, 2016.

Visitation for family and friends will be 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm, Friday, May 6, 2016 at Behner Funeral Home.

Funeral Service will be 10:30 am, Saturday, May 7, 2016 at Peoples Church of Batavia, 1668 Apple Blvd, Batavia, IA with Pastor Jack Jackson officiating. Burial will be at Batavia Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to Peoples Church or Batavia Community Center. Cards and memorials can be mailed to: 604 W Jefferson, Fairfield, IA 52556.

Merl was born October 1, 1925 to Joseph and Sylvia (Lawrence) Bradshaw in Batavia, IA. On February 5, 1971 Pastor Kermit Black of Peoples Church married Merl and Ila Mae Crawford. This year they celebrated 45 years of marriage.

Merl lived all his life in Jefferson County. He was an active charter member of Peoples Church. Merl was a carpenter, painter and farmer. He enjoyed going hunting, trapping, mushrooming and fishing. After Merl retired from farming, he continued making his daily trip to the farm where he had spent many hours working. Merl loved to tease people and then he would laugh at their reaction.

Merl is survived by his wife, Ila Mae Bradshaw of Fairfield, IA; nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Sylvia; 3 sisters, Margerie Doud, Dotty Major and Marie Bradshaw.

On-line condolences can be made to the family at behnerfh.com.