Howard Braden

Howard Everett "H.E." was born June 17, 1935 in the “East Basin” Mannford, Oklahoma. He was the son of Joseph Alfred and Beulah Ardelia (Shelley) Braden. Howard was raised in the Cleveland area, attending school here, graduating from Cleveland High School in 1953. He learned his strong work ethic from his father at an early age, working on the family farm. He often remembered picking corn and hauling hay with his family when he was young and his father christening his sisters, Elaine as Tommy, and Roseanne as Bill.

Howard enlisted into the service of his country, in the United States Army on September 18, 1953. Upon completion of boot camp, Howard was assigned as a parts clerk to a tank company of the 1st Battalion in Germany. He served nearly 15 months in Germany where he earned the following decorations, medals, and commendations; Army Occupation Medal (Germany), National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct. SP3 Braden was honorably discharged and transferred to the United States Army Reserve on August 26, 1955.

Upon completion of his military service, Howard began a career as a welder and pipefitter that encompassed nearly fifty years. He was a long time member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 430, which was the result of a consolidation of locals #205, #351, #397, #767 into local #430 on Dec. 1st., 1997.

Howard was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign War and Past Commander of VFW Post 7441 in Mannford. He was extremely proud of his military service. Additionally, Howard was a fifty-eight year member of the Mannford Masonic Lodge, #515; where he was a 32 Degree Mason. He especially enjoyed camping and recalled fondly camping trips with his family, and the gang; Goldie, Ray, Sharon, Jerry, Delores and Joe, Mac and Virgil. He was passionate about his friends and the many veterans that served their country throughout the years. He enjoyed blue grass and country music and was especially proud to have had a long time relationship with his friend and companion, Roberta Morris.

Howard passed from this life on Sunday, October 30, 2016 at his home in Mannford at the age of eighty-one. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Charlie and Stanley Braden; and a daughter Jane Braden. Howard is survived by long time companion Roberta Morris of the home; son Howard Jr. "Sonny" Braden and his wife Debbie of Mannford, Oklahoma, daughter Kelli Scarbrough of Owasso, Oklahoma; brother Wendell Braden of Cleveland, Oklahoma, two sisters Elaine Lee and her husband Chester of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Roseanne Houlihan and her husband Danny of Albuquerque, New Mexico; seven grandchildren; and one great grandson.

He would like his family to know that he loved them and will be waiting for then on the other side. His fondest memories camping with Roberta and their friends, travelling and the many men he worked with throughout the years.

A memorial graveside service will be held at 10:30 am, Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at the Sinnett Cemetery under the direction of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home. A Masonic graveside rite will be presented by the Mannford Lodge and military honors will be provided by the Veterans of Foreign War, District 5 Rifle Squad.