Louis 'Louie' Bradshaw

Louis “Louie” Bradshaw, 82, passed away January 6, 2020, at his home in Thermopolis.

Born July 11, 1937, in Raymondville, Texas, he was one of four children of Louis and Jewel (Fuller) Bradshaw. Louie grew up with his siblings in the greater Los Angeles area. He loved to tell stories about him and his brothers, Carl and Vernon, exploring the desert and getting into trouble. In 1960, he married his high school sweetheart, Catherine Ann Jones, in St. George, Utah. From this union, three children, Charles, Melanie, and Erin were born.

In 1964, Louie and Catherine moved to Thermopolis. After a short time working in the oil field, Louie discovered his “true calling’ - building highways and bridges across the state. He was employed by Structures Inc., out of Riverton, until the company sold in 1993. He enjoyed his trade and was very proud of his work throughout the state, claiming to have built every road or bridge in Wyoming. When the company sold, Louie retired, and he and Catherine moved to Arkansas to be near his siblings and mother. Louie and Catherine enjoyed 35 years of marriage and raised a beautiful family but then divorced. Being the true “Ramblin’ Man” that he always was, he relocated once more in 2013, back to Thermopolis, to be near his children and grandchildren.

Louie was a man of many hobbies and activities. As a younger man he enjoyed dirt bikes, motorcycles and fast cars. Later in life he was into garage sales, interior decorating, collecting sunglasses, combing his hair, complementing the ladies, and of course, spending time with his five grandchildren.

He is survived by his son, Charles, of Riverton; daughters, Melanie Valentine and Erin Bradshaw, both of Thermopolis; daughter, Fawn Polk of Helena, Mont .; sister, Shirley Glover of Rogers, Ark., and five grandchildren, Brendon, Lauren and Lindsey Thomas; and Aidan and Hunter Valentine, all of Thermopolis.

Louis was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Vernon and Carl; and sister, Wanda.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 17 at 1 p.m., at the Days Inn in Thermopolis. Mortimore Funeral Home is assisting the family.  Condolences may be offered at http://www.mortfh.com.