Bertin Leander Braden., age 80, beloved husband, father, grandfather, storyteller, as well as friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on December 8, 2018. He was a resident of Midkiff, Texas for the past 52 years.He was born June 25, 1938 in Wall, Texas to Elizabeth and Boots Braden.Bertin was one of a kind. He started running a farm when he was 14 years old. He tended the land and remained dedicated to growing wheat and cotton for all his days. He was a hunter, fisherman and an avid storyteller, as most fishermen are. He was a charmer with a bit of a silver-tongue, and had a contagious, full-belly laugh that would make even a cynic’s lip curl. He had a fix for absolutely everything, whether orthodox or not…it generally did the trick. He loved a mean game of dominoes and was one of the best checker players that ever lived. Despite the calloused hands, the rugged exterior, and the often witty, sarcastic response, he had the heart of a giant. He loved and cared deeply for his family, his country, his farm and his God.He is preceded in death by his parents, his siblings: Joy Sewalt and Larry Braden. He is survived by his five sisters: Darlene Good, Glenda Howard, Janice Bennett, Audrey Curry, and Marilyn Galbraith; his wife of 56 years, Jackie Smith Braden; his children: Glen Braden and his husband Daniel, Tammy Mahan and her husband Bruce, Dean Braden and his wife Tracie, and Greg Braden and his wife Brittany; and grandchildren, Pierce, Kaitlyn, Sydney, Corbin, Sophie and Avery, and many loved nieces, nephews, and cousins.Bertin and his family would like to thank the nurses, doctors, friends and caregivers that have given their time, effort, sympathy, heart-felt smiles, jokes and love over the past few weeks.The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Midland. An additional visitation will take place at Mission Park South in San Antonio, TX on Thursday, December 13, 2018 from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. with funeral services to follow on Friday, December 14, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,
