Obituary for Eugene Braly

Eugene M. Braly of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died Monday, December 30, 2013, at the Ponca City Medical Center in Ponca City, Oklahoma, at the age of 87 years.

Eugene M. “Gene" Braly was born August 19, 1926 to Louie and Mabel (Dorman) Braly of Nardin, OK in Wichita KS. He passed on into Glory December 30, 2013.

In 1931, his family moved to Blackwell Oklahoma where he attended Blackwell Schools, graduating from Blackwell High School in 1944. He attended Northern Oklahoma College until he was called to service for enlistment in the United States Air Force. Upon discharge two years later, he returned to Blackwell and married Joyce Lee on November 24th 1946.

He then spent ten years in various areas of the automobile business. In May of 1958, he joined the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. as an agent. During the next 24 years, he qualified for fourteen Leader’s Clubs, and five President’s Club honors. He took early retirement from Met Life in 1982 and became broker for several companies. He has held an Oklahoma Insurance license for 52 years.

He was ordained a Baptist Deacon in 1954 and served in that position for over fifty years. He taught Sunday school for nearly 30 years and served as treasurer in two churches for 48 years.

Early in his career, he became a member of the Blackwell School Board where he served for eight years.

When the Blackwell Hospital was acquired by Baptist Rural Hospitals, he became a member of the hospital board where he served for 12 years. During this time he became a member of the Integris Rural Hospital Board in Oklahoma City., serving for 10 years. He was also selected one year as Outstanding Volunteer for the Integris Rural Hospital System.

Mr. Braly served six years as Commission of Finance for the City of Blackwell and was later appointed Mayor. He served 4 ½ years in this position retiring in 2005 to take care of Joyce..

He is a 62 year member of the Russell Litchfield Post #7 of American Legion and a 58 year member of Chikaskia Lodge # 109 Blackwell Oklahoma. He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church where he served in many areas, most recently as Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

He was preceded in death by Joyce, his loving wife of 65 years, his parents and a sister Mary Louise Bogusch of Brenham TX.

He and wife Joyce have four sons: Steve Braly and wife Pam of Bedford TX, David Braly and wife Maria of Edmond OK, Michael Braly and wife Leah of Ada, OK, and Mark Braly and wife Jana of Prosper TX. Their three daughters are Kathy Goodger and husband Gordon of Blackwell OK, Barbara Bell and husband Dan of Stillwater OK and Beverly Wooderson and husband Steve of Blackwell. OK. They have 21 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Gene was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, teacher, mentor, encourager, and role model to not only his family, but the community and beyond. He was loved by many and will be missed by all whose lives he touched.

Services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 4, 2013, at the Immanuel Baptist Church in Blackwell, Oklahoma, with Rev. Matt Smith officiating. Burial will follow at the Mt. Olive Cemetery in Nardin, Oklahoma.