Edgar E. 'Ed' Bratton
Edgar E. "Ed" Bratton passed away on Jan. 27, 2008, at the age of 83. He was born on June 23, 1924, in Gunnison, Colo., to Mary and Clarence Bratton.
A celebration of his life was held at the Celtic Cross Presbyterian Church in Citrus Heights on Feb. 2, 2008.
Ed spent his childhood in Gunnison, Colo., Tucson, Ariz., and Alturas, Calif. He was active in a variety of sport, including his big win in a soap box derby competition.
After high school, Ed enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was a highly decorated World War II veteran, serving in Africa and the European theaters. Ed belonged to the 18th Battalion of the 1st Division, better known as the "Big Red One." He was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, three Purple Heart medals and various other honors.
After World War II, Ed married Evie Anklin and raised their three children. He worked as a building contractor in both Oregon and California for most of 60 years. Ed met and married Rita Lindsay in 2003. He spent the last years of his life very active in their church.
Ed was an avid outdoorsman, with a love for hunting and fishing. He also bowled, raced hot air balloons and was a private pilot. One of his greatest joys was watching his grandchildren play in a variety of sports. He was a longtime member of the Nevada Union High School Football Boosters.
He was a past Potentate of the Lakeview, Ore., Shriners, a past Exalted Ruler of the Lakeview, Ore., Elks and a current member of the Celtic Cross Presbyterian Church, where he served as head usher.
Ed is survived by his wife, Rita Lindsay Bratton; daughter and son-in-law, Bonnie and Tom Runa; daughter, Debi DeArcos; son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Robin Bratton; grandchildren, Evie Pardini, Tiffany Lassen, Cindy Franco, Bambi Burghdorf, Jennifer Maier, John DeArcos, Kevin Bratton and Joey Bratton; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Clarence Bratton; sister, Eileen Kartchner; his wife of 25 years, Evie Bratton; and his grandson, Michael Bratton II.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Celtic Cross Presbyterian Church, the Nevada County All Veterans Honor Guard or the Sacramento Shriners Hospital.