Fred Harrison Braden, age 92 of Sparta, Missouri passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 6, 2023, in Cox South Hospital, Springfield, Missouri. He was born September 20, 1930, in Bruner, Missouri to Benjamin Harrison “Sonk” and Anna Whitsett Braden. Fred was the youngest boy of 11 children. Fred married the love of his life, Bessie (Harvill) Braden, August 14, 1948, in Harrison, Arkansas, and remained wed for 62 years, separated by her death, April 9, 2011.
Fred was a wonderful father, husband, and friend to everyone he met. He owned and operated Braden Oil Company in Sparta for 38 years. Fred was an enthusiastic basketball fan of the Sparta Trojans and MSU Bears. He was also an active member of Eastern Star Chapter # 326, the Sparta Lodge #296, and a long-standing member of Sparta First Baptist Church. Fred was active in the community and city government for many years and always offered a helping hand when needed.
Fred is survived by his son Gary Braden of Sparta; daughter Jonna Woosley and husband Bob of Springfield; grandson Jonathon Woosley and wife Mari of Bolivar; great-grandchildren Eleanor, Eve, and Michael Woosley of Bolivar; grandson Jeff Woosley of Springfield; great- grandson Braden Woosley of Springfield; and a nephew, who was more like a brother, Jim Hale of Sparta.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a charity of your choice.
Funeral services for Fred will be Monday, September 11, 2023, at 11:00AM in First Baptist Sparta Church, 330 Millbrooke Drive, Sparta, Missouri. Fred will be laid to rest beside Bessie in Sparta Cemetery. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30 AM-11:00AM at the church. Arrangements and service under the care of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark, Missouri. Online condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com
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Danny Snider says
September 8, 2023 at 3:26 pmMy sincere condolences to the Braden family.. Fred was probably the most positive, influential person in my life in the 1950s!! All the young boys in Sparta back then owe him a great deal of credit for having had something positive to do, especially in the summers. He made a difference in our lives as our baseball coach and always managed to get us to our games, no matter where they were! I will remember him always ‼️
Janet Thomas Turner Halbrook says
September 10, 2023 at 8:07 pmGary, I can’t attend your dad’s services due to a medical procedure.
Fred meant the world to me, my mother & my grandpa Doc.
If you remember, you’re the one that drove Grandma & I to the hospital the day Doc had his fatal heart attack.
I’d like to share a funny story: at a Sunday dinner at Doc & Lela’s, Doc said that Fred & Bessie were gone on vacation to ‘Hokey Pokey’ or something like that. We all thought a minute & one of us came up with ‘Acapulco’. Ha Ha
Fred was one of a kind & Sparta will be missing a very important person.
You take care & know that he is now laughing & reminiscing with Mother & the rest of the SHS class of 1948, oh & listening to Doc’s endless stories, too!
Janet Thomas Turner Halbrook says
September 10, 2023 at 8:19 pmGary, I can’t be at your dad’s services due to a medical procedure.
Fred meant the world to me, my mother & Grandpa Doc.
If you remember, you were the one that drove Grandma & I to the hospital the day Doc had his fatal heart attack.
Sparta will miss this very important member of the community. He was an icon!
You all take care & know he’s with mother & the other 1948 SHS grads reminiscing about all the fun they had…oh & he’s listening to Doc’s endless stories, too!
Love to you all!
Dave Bannwart says
September 13, 2023 at 9:15 pmMy Uncle Fred was truly one of the greatest men I’ve ever known. The youngest of 11 siblings, he made sure all those older than him were always taken care of. He did so much for his friends and family. Just a truly wonderful man who had a truly wonderful like.
RIP Uncle Fred
♥️
Bob Bannwart says
September 11, 2023 at 7:53 pmWhat a great man Uncle Fred was. Always friendly and made you feel a part of the family. Although I didn’t see him very often, whenever I did it was like I lived next door. Mary Ann and I met him and Bessie a few times in Evansville when they followed the girls basketball team. They were always great and included us with there friends. My condolences to everyone and thoughts and prayers are with you.
DIANA (Braden) RICE says
September 28, 2023 at 6:46 pmI hadn’t see Uncle Fred in years. He, Aunt Bessie and Aunt Velma had come to Washington Sate to visit my parents Jack and Barbara Braden. We had fun playing cards and laughing a lot. Our condolences go out to everyone. Dad passed in 2010, mom is still with us and turned 91 in January.