Obituary of Don Braden

Don Andrew Braden was born in Monroe on July 29, 1929. He was the son of the late Vineyard Jacob Braden and Lorene (Gilbert) Braden. Don grew up in Tazewell, Tennessee before moving back to the Monroe area in 1948. On June 2, 1956, Don married the love of his life, the former Naomi Cole. From this union came the birth of two children: Elaine and Tim. Don supported his family with employment at Ford Motor Company for more than thirty-two years. He worked as a machine operator retiring in 1985. Don was always generous with his time and enjoyed helping others. When Tim was in Boy Scouts, Don was a frequent volunteer teaching bow and arrow among other life skills. Don loved the great outdoors. Some of his favorite pastimes included hunting, fishing and gardening. Don loved spending time with his grandkids, especially taking them to flea markets and teaching them how to shoot a bow. He enjoyed woodworking and tinkering in the garage. Don was very well rounded seemingly knowing something about everything. He loved traveling especially to Tennessee. Don loved to talk and tell stories. He was extremely friendly and enjoyed conversation never truly meeting a stranger. Countless hours were spent mall-walking although it typically became mall-talking. Don Andrew Braden, age 84 of Monroe, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at his home. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by sisters: Ruth and Annette Braden; half-sister: Peggy; half-brother: Bobby Joe Braden; and brothers-in-law: Bob Bolduc and Bill Eastridge. To cherish his memory, Don leaves a loving wife of fifty-seven years: Naomi; daughter: Elaine (Harold) Cooley; son: Timothy K. Braden; two half-sisters: Juanita Eastridge and Jewell Bolduce; half-brother: Hollis (Linda) Braden; and two grandchildren: Christopher L. Cooley and Zachary A. Cooley. Friends may gather from 2:00-4:00pm and from 6:00-8:00pm, Friday, March 14, 2014 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe (formerly Bennett Funeral Services) (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of His Life will be held at 12:00pm, Saturday, March 15, also at Merkle's with Reverend Bob Baltrip of Liberty Missionary Baptist Church officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn for burial. The family wishes to thank all the caregivers from Mercy Memorial Hospice for their excellent care and compassion. Memorials are suggested to Mercy Memorial Hospice. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com and selecting the Online Tributes page.