Dateline: Alton
William C. Braden, 79, died with his family by his side, at 2:05 a.m. Thursday, February 16, 2012 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. Born February 2, 1933 in Perry County, IL, he was the son of Charles I. and Jennie (Ewing) Braden. He served in the U.S. Army as a mechanic from January 1953 to July 1956. In 1962, he graduated from S.I.U. Carbondale with a Bachelor degree in Agriculture. He worked for Swift & Co. in St. Louis, MO, Mutual of Omaha Insurance Co., S.I.U. Edwardsville, and later was a self-employed contractor. He was a member of the Godfrey First United Methodist Church. Mr. Braden was a Scout Master and lifetime volunteer for Boy Scouts. He was on staff for three National Scout Jamborees in Virginia over a period of 12 years. He earned many awards including the Silver Beaver Award. In his early years with the Boy Scouts, he worked with Alton Troops #17 and #31. He took Scouts from the Piasa Council to the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico for the 110 mile backpacking trip. He was asked to return to Philmont several times for national volunteer training. Mr. Braden was generous with his time to help those in need. He enjoyed traveling and belonged to the Greater St. Louis Airstream Unit where he was an active member and past president. He married Mary Ann Condrey of Oblong, IL on October 17, 1954. He is survived by his only sibling, Aletha Kahle of Marion, IL. Also surviving are his wife, a daughter, Roberta Atkins of Godfrey, a son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Peggi Braden of Waukegan, IL, six grandchildren, Jeri Atkins, Billy Atkins (Deborah), Charlie Atkins, Sarah Braden, Paul Braden, and Luke Braden, two great grandchildren, Branden Moore, and Ellianna Atkins, one niece and many nephews. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 12:00 noon Monday, February 20, 2012 at the Godfrey First United Methodist Church. Burial will be at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto. Reverend Don E. Long Jr. will officiate. Memorials may be made to the Godfrey First United Methodist Church or the Lewis and Clark Boy Scout Council.


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