John Edward Bratten

76 year old John Edward Bratten of Liberty died Thursday at his residence. He was a contractor, and active member of the N.R.A. and he was in the U.S. Air Force from 1950 to 1953. He was born in Detroit, Michigan. The funeral will be Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. David Mahan will officiate and burial will be in Salem Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from noon until 9:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Bratten was preceded in death by his parents, John and Iona Bratten. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Melba Louise Bratten of Liberty. A son, Terry Strayn of Smithville. Grandchildren, Robbie Strayn of Dowelltown, Jennifer and husband Dewayne Bain, April Strayn Drennan, and John E. Strayn all of Smithville. A brother, Bill James and his wife Dee Bratten of Michigan. Great grandchildren, Britta, Rachel, Marley, Shelby, Megan, Saxon, and Brandon. Anderson Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.