John Robert Braun

John Robert Braun was born December 9, 1933 in Yakima, WA to John and Eleanor Braun. He grew up at 208 North 21st Avenue, with the irrigation canal running through the property, a summer house, and outdoor barbeque. John graduated from Yakima High School in 1952 and joined the Army in April 1954. Serving in the Korean War, he earned a National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably released from active service and completed six more years in the Army Reserve.

John married and had one son, Jay. John is survived by his grandson, Robert. He later remarried Sally Jo Anderson in 1974, who was a friend in high school. They met each other again at a Fourth of July Party on Linden Way and spend the next 43 years together. They lived in Yakima, Oakland and Napa, California, and then returned to Yakima in 1988. While in California, John worked in the hospitality industry. In Yakima, he went to work for the Vernon Company, selling marketing items to businesses in Yakima and across eastern Washington for nearly 30 years. John and Sally had many adventures in the San Francisco Bay area and in Napa Valley. They went on numerous cruises and trips throughout California, Oregon, Washington, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Canada, Florida, and the Dominican Republic.

John loved a good time spent with friends and family, fine dining, and the better things in life. To his friends, he was known as a “dapper Dan”, as he was a very snappy dresser! His taste for fine clothing was impeccable. John was a gentleman to the end.

Many thanks to the caretakers at Crescent Healthcare for a wonderful end of life caring experience. Kudos to all the staff for your complete caring!

Memorial Services will be Sunday, March 12th, at the Yakima Arboretum, from 2 pm – 4 pm. The gathering will be a celebration of John’s life. To honor his lifestyle, please come in semi-formal attire (funeral attire is not required). Memorials are suggested to the Yakima County Humane Society. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com for the Braun family.