Willard James Braden

Willard Braden

Willard James Braden

December 06, 1920 – December 22, 2011

Visitation: Will begin at 1 p.m., Monday afternoon, December 26, 2011 at Garland-Van Arkel-Langkamp Funeral Chapel. The family will be present from 10 a.m. to service time on Tuesday to greet visitors.
Funeral Service: 11 a.m., Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at Central United Methodist Church with Pastor Tom Boomershine officiating.
Interment: Barnes City Cemetery near Barnes City, Iowa

Willard passed away Thursday morning at his home in Oskaloosa at the age of 91 years and 16 days.

Willard James Braden was born December 6, 1920 in Barnes City, Iowa to Walter and Sylvia Malin Braden. He served his country in the Army during WWII as a military policeman. While home on leave, he married his long-time sweetheart, Ruth Inman on February 19, 1944. Upon his return from the army, they lived in Barnes City for a few years and then moved to Oskaloosa where they raised their four children. Willard was first employed with Springer Oil Co. and then drove a gravel truck for the county. In 1954, Willard went to work at Master Plumbers out of Ottumwa as a route salesman; he worked for them for 27 years, retiring in 1981. Willard was a member of the Central United Methodist Church; over the years he taught children’s Sunday school and helped with the after-school program.

Willard’s family includes his wife, Ruth, of 67 years; his children: Janet (Stanley) Fisher of Newaygo, MI, Dale (Cindy) Braden of Oskaloosa, Rodger (Alice) Braden of Eddyville, and Wayne (Janet) Braden of Beacon; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; a sister, Helen Logue of Orange, CA; a brother, Larry (Nancy) Braden of Los Angeles, CA and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Willard was preceded in death by three brothers: Elmo, Walter, Jr. and Dwayne in infancy; and an infant sister, Linda.

Memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church or MHP Hospice Services.