Michael was born in Odessa and graduated from Ector High School. He was on the school swim team & achieved many meets and earned national honors. He attended Tarrant County College. He married the love of his life, Donna Eileen Halbrook Braden on May 31, 1969. Mike enlisted in the Navy in early 1969 and served is country proudly in Vietnam for 2 years. He was a machinist on the ship but at night was sent ashore for reconnaissance.
After his honorable discharge from the navy late 1970 as MR3 (Machinery Repairman 3), Mike and Donna lived and worked in Odessa where they raised their family. Mike worked as a machinist at SMC, Bridges Equipment and Sulzar.
Mike loved his country and was a true patriot following politics until the day he passed. His favorite hobby was fishing. That was his happy place! His past activities were earning a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, singing in the church choir, scuba diving and woodworking. He was excellent with a good honey-do list.
Mike was proceeded in by his mother, Dortha Braden, his father John Braden, John’s wife Louise and his mother-in-law Marjorie Halbrook.
Mike is survived by his wife of 53 years, Donna Braden of Odessa Texas, his daughter Tina Wortham and her husband Chris of Lubbock, Seth Braden of Midland, grandchildren Megan Hallman Liljenwall and her husband Eric of Dallas, father-in-law Robert Halbrook of Lubbock, sister-in-law Carol Steen and her husband Kevin of Lubbock and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The services for Mike will be 10:30 am Saturday, December 10th, at St. Andrew Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Odessa. Pastor Jimmy Braswell officiating.
In lieu of flowers, you may send a donation to Wounded Warriors.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5