Obituary of Jesse Braden

Jesse Harold Braden was born in Speedwell, Tennessee on October 12, 1934 to David Braden and Flossie (Laws) Braden. He was a Boy Scout and sang in the choir while attending Monroe High School. Jesse married the love of his life the former Claudine Bolton of Harlan, Kentucky on May 12, 1952. The couple would share in the birth of five children: Gary, Denny, Jeffrey, Sonya, and Rodney. For three years, Jesse supported his family as the owner and operator of two Monroe Mobil Service Stations. These stations were located at the intersections of Dunbar and Telegraph Road and Front and Telegraph Roads. Jesse would then take employment as an assembler in the Print Room for the Ford Motor Company at their Milan plant. He would serve twenty-two years at Ford prior to his retirement in 2000. Jesse enjoyed tinkering on cars and was quite the backyard mechanic. He was always caring for his home and yard making arrangements to ensure it was the nicest on the block. Jesse had a great sense of humor he liked to tell jokes and was the family prankster. Most of all, Jesse was loving and caring. He would do anything for anyone. He had “open arms” to bring comfort when it was needed. He was lovingly known as Papaw to his many grandchildren. Jesse Harold Braden, age 82, of Monroe died of natural causes on Saturday, February 25 at home surrounded by his loved ones. His passing was preceded by parents: David and Flossie Braden; sister: Mary Lee Braden; and an uncle Cawood Laws. Jesse leaves to cherish his memory a beloved wife of nearly sixty-five years: Claudine Braden of Monroe; four children: Gary of Toledo, Denny (Lori) of Temperance, Sonya Foreman of Monroe, Jeffrey of Woodhaven, and Rodney of Monroe; ; one brother: Herbert of Monroe; one sister: Judy Williamson of LaSalle; twelve grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 12:00pm on Thursday, March 2 also at Merkle’s with Jesse’s brother-in-law: Pastor Glen Bolton officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn for burial. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.