Bernard Bradsby

Barney Bradsby, 86, of Waco, formerly of West, passed away quietly in his sleep on March 02, 2016. He was at home, his place of comfort, and with his favorite person, his beloved wife Scotty, nearby. He was an amazing man, husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and best friend. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 7, 2016 at First Baptist Church in West, with Dr. John Crowder officiating. Graveside services will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday at Oakwood Cemetery in Waco, followed by military honors. The family will receive visitors from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Barney was born in Havelock, Nebraska and was the fourth of Charles Addison and Belva (Hall) Bradsbys children. He was a star football player at Northeast High School in Lincoln, Nebraska and attended Nebraska Wesleyan University after a two year stint in the United States Navy. While in the military, he served as a carpenters helper on board the USS Jason in the north Pacific. In 1950 he married Eloise (Scotty) Escue. Barney was active in the retail business and, after relocating to Waco, he joined his in-laws James and Bula Escue in opening and operating Gibsons Discount Center stores in Waco and surrounding areas including Dallas, Clifton, and Killeen. As a business owner, he was well loved and respected by his employees and well regarded in the community. Barney was known for his generosity and loyalty to long serving employees and rewarded many with group trips to Hawaii. During this time, he was recognized by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) as Employer of the Year. After over 22 years with Gibsons, Barney formed TexSaw, Inc. in Bellmead where he sold industrial diamond bandsaws and glass etching equipment. As a couple, Barney and Scotty enjoyed traveling and visited several countries. In retirement, the couple moved to West where they bought a hundred acre farm and raised Maine-Anjou cattle. The gentleman rancher Barney called the cows "my girls." Avid RVers, Barney and Scotty took many trips all over the country, often accompanied by their grandchildren. Barney was on the Library Board in West and took great pleasure in taking the role of the Citys Santa Claus for two years. He was a member of First Baptist Church in West. Barney was also a member of West Kiwanis Club, American Legion Post, V.F.W. Post and a former member of the Rotary and Lions Clubs. He was also an active member of the Senior Kiwanis of Waco, attending meetings eagerly and regularly until recently. For many years, he joined other world leaders at their "office" at Griffs Restaurant to cuss, discuss, and otherwise solve the worlds crises every week. He was preceded in death by his son Michael Bradsby, his parents, brother Marvin, and sisters Lucille, Evelyn, and Arlene. Barney is survived by his wife Eloise Bradsby; brother, Bob; son and daughter-in-law, David and Colette Bradsby; daughter and son-in-law, Kimarra and Brad Garnett; daughter Lisa Storts; grandchildren Charlotte Bradsby, Justin Graham and wife Suzanne, Clare Riecke and husband Tre, Cory Storts, Sarah Mengon, Jeannine Bradsby, Josie Bradsby, and Elyza Bradsby; and great grandchildren Willow Mengon and Tanner Reicke with 3 more on the way. Nothing made Barney happier than being with his family. He was so proud of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Barney took joy in the simplest of pleasures. He lived life with a great sense of humor, an epic sweet tooth, a propensity toward generosity, and an unfailing willingness to help a friend in need. He will be greatly missed. Pallbearers are David Bradsby, Jerry Arthur, Brad Garnett, Cory Storts, Justin Graham, Tre Riecke, Dylan Lennox and Bacil Tanner. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Fuzzy Friends or to First Baptist Church of West.