Buddy was born on June 22nd, 1942, to parents Edmund and Adela (Rokohl) Braune in Ray Point, Texas, on his grandparents’ Rokohl Farm. He attended Lutheran Church in Ray Point, Texas, and graduated from Three Rivers ISD in 1960. He was known to all as a good friend and helper. If someone needed help, his mother taught him to volunteer, and he continued volunteering, giving all he could to his loved ones every chance he got.
Buddy grew up in a store, helping run Ray Point Mercantile. He never knew how he got the nickname Buddy, but it is not impossible to believe that, since he helped everyone out at the store, people would tell him, “Thanks, Buddy!”, and naturally, the name stuck. Buddy worked at the Co-op in Three Rivers as a young man, then worked at the Beeville Cable Company until transferring to the Huntsville Cable Company in 1967. Lastly, he worked as “Buddy the Cable Guy” in Victoria until 1985.
While working in Huntsville, he walked into Roland’s Restaurant where he met and soon married cute hostess Carol Matocha. They married on March 29th, 1969, in Huntsville, Texas, moved to Victoria in 1971, and lived there to date. They attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Victoria, Texas. Together, they raised 3 children and 7 grandchildren.
Buddy’s greatest joy was being with his family and grandchildren. He loved traveling with his wife to Las Vegas, rooting for his favorite sports teams, and visiting with his loved ones in Ray Point. He might be remembered as a cool young man who drove a blue ’57 Chevy while sporting his Buddy Holly glasses or in his later years as a stylish gentleman who drove a Cadillac while humming along to Elvis, but he will be most remembered as a faithful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend whose mind was sharp until the end. He loved The Lord and is now in the fullness of His presence.
Buddy is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carol (Matocha) Braune; sister JoAnn (Braune) Teague and her husband Gerald Teague; niece Tracie (Krause) Hollis and husband Rick Hollis; children Robert “Bobby” Braune, David Ross Braune and his wife Rosa (Longoria) Braune, and Melynn (Braune) Brandenburg and her husband Cory Brandenburg; grandchildren David Ross Braune Jr., Collin Brandenburg, Zachary Braune, Christopher Braune, Carley Brandenburg, Callie Brandenburg, and Allison Braune; and many close friends and loved ones. He is preceded in death by parents Edmund and Adela (Rokohl) Braune, sister, Alice Jane (Braune) Krause, and brother-in-law Gerald Krause.
Everyone who knew Buddy will dearly miss him, remembering fondly his wit, charm, and radiant smile. “He’s the Thinking Man!”
Special thanks to Bobby for all the time, care, and love that he has given to his parents. We love and appreciate you so much and also a special thanks to Ross Braune Jr for helping his grandparents in the last few months.
Visiting hours are Thursday, April 11, 2024 from 5-7 PM at the Rosewood Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be Friday, April 12, 2024 at 2 PM at Rosewood Funeral Chapel with burial to immediately follow at Resurrection Cemetery. There will be a reception following at St. Mary’s Hall. Gifts and donations in his honor can be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or Hospice of South Texas.
Pallbearers are Ross Braune Jr., Zachary Braune, Christopher Braune, Rick Hollis, Cory Brandenburg and Collin Brandenburg.
Words of comfort may be shared at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
