ORVTLA Feature at Ohio Beef Expo

Larry McMurtry's winning Pulitzer prize fictional novel, Lonesome Dove, was inspired by renowned Texas frontiersmen, Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving. There is much more to their lives than in the account of the cattle drive depicted in the " miniseries, Lonesome Dove."

Joe C. Graddy, a resident of Cottonwood, died Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at his residence. He was 79.

Graveside services were held at 2 PM Friday, March 4, 2016 at Cottonwood City cemetery with Reverends Stan Sullivan and John Smith officiating. The family received friends Thursday, March 3, 2016 from 5 PM until 7 PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Covenant Hospice, 104 Rockbridge Road, Dothan, AL 36303.

Mr. Graddy was born June 28, 1936 in Headland, Alabama to the late William Haywood and Cynthia Campbell Graddy. He was a graduate of Headland High School and later joined the United States Army where he was stationed in Germany. Mr. Graddy was a business man who was involved in several ventures before he started raising cattle. His passion for Texas Longhorn cattle was evident in the many awards he won for cattle breeding. Joe was, over many years, successful in breeding good-framed Texas Longhorns with outstanding horn growth genetics.  His friendships in the Longhorn business span the country.

Mr. Graddy is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Barbara Lewis Graddy and a brother, Billy Graddy.

Survivors include his son, James Graddy; daughter and son in law, Carolyn and Bruce Wozow; grandson, Jacob Wozow; granddaughter and her husband, Cynthia and Andrew Anderson; great granddaughter, Tinlee Wozow; three sisters, Julia White, Nell Johnson, Elizabeth White and several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Mr. Graddy's caregivers, Mrs. Lillian Deese, Joe and Katrina Mathews and Jodi Grayson. A special thank you to Covenant Hospice, Lynn, Cynthia, Dr. Nichols and Sarah.

Celebration of Life Event Scheduled

	Bob Shultz, mounted, at the Woodland Park, Colorado Texas Longhorn Show. Bob was colorful, witty and an excellent business man. His charm and uniqueness made him well received in Denver social circles. (Photo courtesy of FILLET OF HORN)

After graduating from Wessington Springs High School he volunteered for the US Navy in 1943. He was assigned to the battleship USS Missouri during World War II as a radio operator. The ship was the site of the Japanese Surrender Ceremonies ending the war in Tokyo Bay, September 2, 1945. Denver 7 TV interviewed Bob on the 70th anniversary of the surrender. He was 19 at the time, and clearly recalled the historic event of which he attended.   http://www.thedenverchannel.com/thenow/remembering-the-end-of-wwii-colorado-man-bob-shultz-present-at-the-signing-of-japan-surrender

Bob married Norma Schwabauer in 1948, graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1951 and then moved to Colorado. He started his insurance career and founded High Country Corp in 1955, and sold out in 1979. Bob and Norma raised four children, Rob, Lindy, Randy and Lisa.

Texas Longhorn producing became his second career. His scenic Prairie Canyon ranch in Douglas County was the birth place or home of famous Texas Longhorns Bold Ruler, Bouncer, Colorado Cowboy and Canyon Kid. The bull Bouncer was sold to Andre The Giant, World Champion Wrestler. Colorado Cowboy sired the famous G-Man who sired Gun Man.

In the book FILLET OF HORN, Bob was the hero of chapter one, "EIGHT BUFFALO, TWO DOGS AND A MOTORCYCLE."

Bob had a long and happy life, and a great since of humor along the trail. A celebration of life event will be held Sunday, June 5, Wessington Springs, SD, with lunch at the field house in the park 12:00-3:00. Also Saturday, June 11 at Prairie Canyon Ranch, 7 miles south of Franktown, Colorado, lunch, socializing, music 12:00-3:00. For a head count contact Lisa Shultz, 303-881-9338.