Paul Bratcher, Jr., age 82, born in Caulfield, MO, was surrounded by his family when he passed away November 10, 2012 due to complications of Myelodysplastic Syndrome which had advanced to acute leukemia.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary; two sons, Chris and wife Pam of Rogers, AR, Bruce and wife Jeannine of Nixa, MO, one brother, Clifton of Nixa, MO and wife Wanda. He is also survived by 3 grandsons, Kyle, Kaleb, Jacob, and one great granddaughter, Amelia Grace, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, friends and business people he has touched over the years. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Clyde Bratcher and one sister Chlora Collins.

Paul was involved in various areas of Agri-business throughout his life which eventually lead him to become an expert in repairing industrial sewing machines used in the livestock feed business. This part time business venture along with his hard work has grown to become Bratcher Bagging Equipment that sells, services and repairs all forms of scales and bagging equipment for a number of diverse industries. His business until his retirement last year, employed three generations of the Bratcher family and numerous employees that were or became a part of his family. Paul was a Member of the Water Mill Church of Christ, was a Mason, Shriner, and ¼ Cherokee Indian which explains why he never forgot a name, face, or a good story.

Graveside services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Thursday, November 15, 2012, at White Chapel Memorial Gardens, 5234 W. State Highway EE, Springfield, under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 14, in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Fair Haven Children’s Home, 3132 N. Fair Loop, Strafford, MO.