Harry Anatole Braud, Jr.

Harry Anatole Braud Jr. was born on August 14, 1925 in New Orleans, LA to Harry A. Braud Sr. and Norma (née Bakewell) Braud. He passed away peacefully in Bossier City, LA on November 18, 2022. Raised in Thibodaux in his younger years, throughout his family’s moves to places as Chicago and Kansas City, he remained Louisiana through and through which he always displayed with his cooking.

Harry knew from a young age that he wanted to join the U.S. Navy and be a career serviceman. He served as a medic during WWII alongside many others on the U.S.S. Barnes, with one of his proudest moments being his involvement in the Berlin Airlift. After leaving the Navy, Harry joined the U.S. Air Force continuing his distinguished military career making the rank of Master Sergeant and receiving numerous awards, ribbons, and medals from his time in both branches of the military. He had a tremendous love for life and travel, the latter of which his family cherishes through his many keepsakes from every corner of the world. He had a sharp wit and smart mind that was forever curious about any new person or place he found, his positivity was infectious and lifelong. Above all, Harry loved being a Grandpa. He was the first one to call and let everyone know when a new baby was born into the family, promptly listing their weight, length, and time of birth in military fashion.

In his last months he mentioned countless times that one of his happiest memories from his time here on earth was his 97th birthday celebration in August 2022. Seeing all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren together was the greatest gift he could have asked for, and he said the food was pretty good too! After losing his wife Lydia in July of this year, those closest to him knew it wouldn’t be long until he followed her, and our hearts are comforted knowing they are together again. We will miss his Christmas gumbo but will do our best to carry on the tradition.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Lydia Braud, and son, Paul Ratte, and is survived by his son Scott Braud and wife Patty; his daughters, Rene Braud, Janeece Bailey and husband John, Penny Shirley and husband Bill. Grandchildren, Nicholas Braud and wife Kristi, Alexis Miller and husband Adam, Spencer Bailey and fiancée Lacey, Hillary Torres and husband Rue, Morgan Bailey, Katie Lynn Harden and wife J’Net, Amanda Raborn and husband Tyler, Christian Harden and wife Kayla, as well as many great grandchildren and extended family.

The family would like to thank Linda and Dave Davidson for their unfailing support and friendship to both Lydia and Harry as well as their children and grandchildren.

Services will be held privately.