J. D. Braden, age 79 years, 10 months, and 27 days, of the Bethel community passed away Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at the Jean Waddle Care Center in Somerset, Kentucky and was placed in the care of the Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home.

Funeral services were held Friday, June 23, 2023, in the chapel of the Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home with Bro. Ronnie Peters officiating. Burial followed in the Bethel Cemetery.

He was born July 25, 1943 to Clarence Braden and June Creekmore Braden. J. D. was a member of the Marsh Creek Baptist Church where he attended faithfully until his health would not permit him to go. He had made his living as a television repairman, an art that unfortunately is not used as often today. J. D. never met a stranger and could often be seen in the community with a crowd gathered around to talk. He also liked to garden. But he found the most joy in spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife, Wanda Braden, whom he married June 10, 1967, and a stillborn brother.

Survivors include sons, Tim Braden and his wife, Christine, of Whitley City, and Allen Braden of Pine Knot, daughters, Regina Smith and her husband, John, of Winfield, and Pamela Dick and her husband, Bobby, of Bronston, eleven grandchildren, several great grandchildren, and brothers, Jackie Braden and his wife, Carol, and Lowell Braden and his wife, Laurie.

Hickman-Strunk Funeral was honored to serve the family of J. D. Braden.