Jan. 18, 1925 - Dec. 4, 2009

ELKHART -- Gene Thomas Braden, 84, died at 1:24 a.m. Friday (Dec. 4, 2009) in Elkhart General Hospital as a result of a sudden illness.

He was born on Jan. 18, 1925, in Bellefountaine, Ohio, to Raymond and Eleanor (Thompson) Braden.

He married Janice Louise Brown on Aug. 23, 1958, in Cassopolis, Mich. She died Jan. 1, 2005, in Elkhart.

He is survived by one son, Thomas (Angela) Braden of Fort Wayne; three grandsons; and one great granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Robert Braden.

Mr. Braden was a barber who operated the Varsity Barber Shop in Elkhart with his brother, Robert, for many years. He formerly worked for Adams & Westlake LTD, Printing House and the Blazer Mart. Mr. Braden graduated from Cassopolis High School in 1943 and served in the Navy during World War II.

He was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ in Elkhart. He was a sulky racing driver in his younger days. He loved horses, fishing and hunting.

Friends may call for one hour prior to the 1 p.m. Tuesday funeral service at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. in Elkhart. Pastor Jeff Peters of Bethel Assembly of God Church will officiate.

Cremation will follow Tuesday's services and burial will occur at a later date at Stoney Point Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 120 Wall St., New York, NY 10005. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.