Don Braden

Don T. Braden, 65, of Willis, Texas went to be with his Heavenly Father on September 13 after a four year battle with lung cancer. Don was born in Blackwell, Oklahoma and passed away at his home in Willis with his family at his side. Don grew up in Ponca City, Oklahoma, served in the U.S. Air Force and also attended the University of New Mexico. His business career began in Dallas and he later moved to Atlanta, GA where he met his wife of 35 years, Margaret Braden. They married in 1974, moved to Chicago two years later and then to Houston where he was co-founder of Dalton International, a computer leasing company based in The Woodlands, Texas. Don retired from Dalton in 1997 at which time he spent much of his time playing golf, his favorite pastime. But it was not long after he retired that he renewed his relationship with his “Maker” and became one of His many servants. Don was active in Kairos Prison Ministry, where he spent five years going to the Polunsky Unit in Livingston every Tuesday. In 2004 Don was diagnosed with lung cancer. Following treatment Don became a Spiritual Care volunteer at MD Anderson. Don was a member of Conroe First United Methodist Church where he was active in Bible Study and helped to start a cancer support ministry. Don will be remembered as a man of integrity who diligently studied God’s word and applied it to his everyday life. Don is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Verda Braden and brother, John Braden. Don is survived by his wife, Margaret; daughters Deborah Braden of Dallas, Jena Hooks and husband, Robert of Lewisville, Texas, and Lindsay Landin and husband Mike of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Also he is survived by three grandchildren, Michael and Abby Hooks, and Grant Landin, and sisters, Janice Clevenger and Judi Hembree of Farmersville, Texas. Many nieces, nephews and friends also survive him. Many thanks go out to Dr. Katherine Pisters at MD Anderson Cancer Center and her caring staff. Also a special tribute to the “men in white” at the Polunsky Unit in Livingston, Texas. For every blessing you received from Don’s presence in your life, Don received threefold. In Don’s final days Odyssey Health Care made it possible for us to carry on with life while having Don at our side. Thank you. A Celebration of Don’s life will be held on Friday, September 18 at The First United Methodist Church of Conroe, Texas at 11:00 A.M. A reception will follow in the gymnasium. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to The First United Methodist Church Missions Fund, 4308 West Davis Street, Conroe, Texas 77304-4284 or Odyssey Health Care, 100 I-45 N., Ste 240, Conroe, Texas 77301.

Don Braden

September 18, 2009