Benny Joe Braudrick December 9, 1942 - September 12, 2020 When Benny Braudrick met someone, that person was struck by his genuine smile. They witnessed his energy, happy demeanor, and his gift of kindness. He devoted his life to helping others, whether coaching his sons and other little league teams, serving at church, or spending time with his family and friends. He went to Heaven on Saturday, September 12, 2020. He was born the youngest of eight children to Buel and Vera (Manning) Braudrick on December 9, 1942 in Oklahoma City. He was raised in Durant until second grade when his family moved to Bethany, Okla. He began his education at Bethany Public Schools. He was on the 1959 state championship baseball team and graduated in 1960. The best set-up date with Ellen Abell in 1960 turned to a lifetime of love and a wedding in 1961. They loved each other best, raised two sons, and had a happy marriage for 59 years. Benny always applauded hard work and he was a dedicated, hard worker. He began working at Canadian Valley Meat Company after high school and stayed for 28 years. He founded Braudrick Meats and ran it for nine years, then sold for Val's Meats until he retired at age 70. Benny and Ellen were great encouragers to Wayne and Bob, always coaching or in the stands cheering when they were playing. After grandchildren began arriving, they made a commitment to be deeply involved. For each of the seven grandchildren, they were present for games, plays and shows. For years they traveled to Texas at least once a month to encourage their grandkids there. The family all recognizes that Pa's engagement was massive and had a huge impact. A stack of letters and cards from grateful former players is a testament to the coaching investment he made in so many lives. He started by coaching little league baseball, football, and wrestling, and continued with girls fast-pitch softball. He also refereed high school football and wrestling for many years. Bethany Public Schools Foundation inducted Benny into the Hall of Honor in 2012 due to his positive impact on generations of children. Benny became a follower of Christ as a young adult, and his family said he "absolutely loved" going to church. He joined Ellen at her childhood church home, Greystone Presbyterian, where they worshipped as a family for 16 years and where he served as deacon. The family moved to Bethany First Church of the Nazarene for 30 years and for the last eight years they have been active members at Crossings Community Church. Benny was close to his siblings and as a young man played golf every Saturday with his two brothers who lived close. Later, he golfed regularly on Tuesdays with lifetime friends from Putnam City and Bethany. He was a good golfer and shot under his age several times. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Ellen, and their sons, Wayne and Bob and their families: Wayne and Janna, of Frisco, Texas, and their children - Jessica and Grant Anders, Michael Braudrick and Benjamin and Katya Braudrick; and Bob and Serena, of Okla. City, and their family - Katherine Braudrick, Keegan and Emily Braudrick with Bennys first great-grandchild, Beau, Beth Braudrick, and Rebecca Braudrick. His siblings: June Sharp, Bill Braudrick, Bud Braudrick, Joan Ellis, and Jerry Arambula; and many nieces, nephews, and their families; along with many life-long friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister, BeBe, and his brother, Bob Braudrick. Funeral arrangements are by Mercer Adams. Memorial service will be 10:00am on Thursday, September 17, 2020 at Crossings Community Church Chapel. The service will be live-streamed from Crossings, and Mercer-Adams will later have a recorded version on their website. Memorial Service Crossings Community Church Chapel Thursday, September 17, 2020 10:00 AM 14600 N. Portland Avenue Oklahoma City, ok 73134