Robert A. Braden

Robert A Braden, Jr. 68, of Lorain, died Monday, March 28, 2011 at Amherst Specialty Hospital after a lengthy illness. Born May 21, 1942 in Burbank, CA, he had been a Vermilion resident for 41 years moving to Oberlin for 9 years and recently moving to Lorain. Robert graduated from Vermilion High School in 1961 and began working as a custodian for Vermilion Schools. He worked at the schools for 32 years and then worked 8 years for BFI Recycling, Elyria, retiring in 2003. He was a member of Lakeview Baptist Church, Vermilion where he stayed active mowing the grass, cleaning the church, and helping with the bus route. Robert was an avid sports fan, enjoying baseball, high school football games, and watching racing and other events held at the Lorain County Speedway. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Drena (nee Plumley) Braden; daughters, Rachel Braden of Lorain and Roberta (George) Kurk of Lorain; brothers, Chuck and John Braden of New Knoxville, OH; and sisters, Sue Day of Charlotte, NC, Linda Pantana of Forest, VA, Beth Schoffner of Celina, OH, and Debbie Braden of Albuquerque, NM. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert A. Braden and Hilda E. (nee Williamson) Smith; and a nephew, Jimmie Braden. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 31, 2011 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, OH. Funeral services will be Friday, April 1, 2010 at 11:00 am at the funeral home. The Reverend Guy Morton will officiate. The family suggests memorial contributions to Golden Acres Nursing Home Activities Fund, 44099 EastNorth Ridge Road, Amherst, Ohio 44001. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.,