Thomas Freeman Braaten Sr.

Thomas Freeman Braaten was born on May 3, 1927 in Colfax, Wisconsin. He was a proud American and a WWII veteran, joining the Navy at the age of 17. After the war, he graduated from Miami of Ohio where he lettered in track all 4 years. He later went on to do his graduate work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In 1946, he attended a summer class at Columbia University in NYC. It was here that he met his soulmate and the love of his life, Alma White from Chester, SC. They were married on Dec. 27, 1947 and were married for 72 years.

After graduation, he began his career in education and coaching in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System. Many of his students and athletes have stayed in touch with Dad for the past 70+ years. He was such a mentor to them and they highly respected him. After a number of years in education, he left to begin a second career in business administration at JB Ivey & Co. (Charlotte), Sakowitz (Houston), Wolfe Bros. (Kansas City), and back to Ivey’s (Florida). His third career brought him back to the Houston area where he joined a dear friend, Van Gillen, in a partnership at Speed Printing and Office Supply, Inc in Houston. He later became the sole owner of the Houston locations until his retirement in 1992.

He and his wife enjoyed many trips to the Isle of Palms in SC and Branson, two of their favorite places. Dad was an eternal optimist and saw life as a great adventure. One of Dad’s greatest joys was the times he spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Tom is preceded in death by his wife, Alma, his parents, Ethel and Lloyd Braaten, his brothers and spouses, Don (Betty), Scott (Marilyn), and sisters and spouses, Jean (John) and Ruth (Ed) and a nephew, Don Braaten. He is survived by his 3 children, Tom Jr. (Angelia), Teresa (Jim) and Bill (Michelle). Also surviving him are his grandchildren, Tommy III (Kelly), Brad (Cindy), Kimberley (Matthew), Cheryl (Clark), Laura Beth (Clint) and Elizabeth along with his great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dad was a man who displayed such integrity, compassion, love and lived with such high morals. They say adversity develops one’s character, but adversity revealed Dad’s character.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation for the wonderful care received at Strake Place in Conroe and Bristol Hospice.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Anyone wishing to make a contribution in Dad’s memory, please consider Tunnel to Towers, Wounded Warriors, St. Jude or the Salvation Army.