Edward Joseph Braun

Edward J. Braun was born May 4, 1919 in Oklahoma City, the youngest of 5 children. He passed away August 28, 2010. He was the son of Sylvester and Dorothea Braun. On the day he was born, his father immediately carried him to St Joseph's Cathedral to be baptized. His faith remained strong throughout his 91 years. Edward attended St Joseph's in OKC for grade school and high school. After graduating, with his earnings from 2 paper routes, he enrolled in business school to become a bookkeeper. In 1941, Edward was drafted into the army as a private and over the course of WWII achieved the rank of Captain. On leave in Sept of 1942, Edward married Judy McGovern and together they raised 4 daughters. One of his proudest achievements was his career with T.G.&Y. He started in 1939 as a bookkeeper and retired in 1979 as Chairman and CEO of this retail chain that had grown to nearly 1000 stores nationwide. Edward was involved heavily in both church and community activities. He and Judy were founding members of St. Patrick's Catholic Church; at his death, they were members of St. Eugene's Catholic Church. Edward served the OKC community with his involvement in United Way, Catholic Charities and the Salvation Army. He served as a Director of the State Fair of Oklahoma Board, Commissioner of the OKC Housing Authority, Director of Liberty Bank, Director of Touchstone School, Organizing member of the Baptist Medical Center; he was also a Board member of the OCU Business Advisory Board, the Better Business Bureau Board, and the OKC Chamber of Commerce Board. He leaves behind his wife Judy, daughters Susan Roberts and husband Mike, Bev Kanaly and husband Paul, Louise Vandaveer, Janie Saltzman and husband David; grandchildren Laura Davidoff, Kelly Roberts and wife Mika, Ashley Roberts Hackethal and husband Bill, Mark Kanaly and wife Cal, Travis Kanaly and wife Angie, Matt Vandaveer, Ross Vandaveer , Ben Vandaveer and wife Julie, Amanda Saltzman Debel and husband Loren, Lindsey Saltzman Boesl and husband Ben; great grandchildren Julia Davidoff, Conner and Peyton Kanaly, Camryn Kanaly and Spencer Debel.