Franklin Braley Obituary

Franklin L. "Frank" Braley, 90, of Versailles passed away at 9:35 a.m., Thursday, June 12, 2025 at Ripley Crossing in Milan. He was born in the Tanglewood Community near Versailles on November 13, 1934, the son of Wilcy and Bernice McMartin Braley. He was married to Ruth Smith on September 9, 1961 and she preceded him in death on June 18, 2000. Survivors include one son Bruce (Nancy) Braley of Bedford, Pennsylvania; two daughters Carla (Pete) Stenger and Alena White (Jay Eggleston) both of Versailles; 9 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his son Mike White, granddaughter Sarah Gail Stenger, grandson Corey Withered, his brothers Charles, Robert, and Harold, and his sisters Dorothea Jeffries and Naomi Braley. Mr. Braley was a 1952 graduate of Versailles High School. On July 11, 1957 Frank entered the US Army and served as an SP 4 with the 37th Infantry and was discharged on July 1, 1959. While in the Army he received an expert ranking with a sub-machine gun and qualified as a rifle sharpshooter. For service to his country Frank received the Good Conduct Medal. In civilian life, Frank farmed with his father, worked in parts and sales for Swinney Farm Equipment, and worked in maintenance for the Southeastern Career Center. Frank was a former member of the Tanglewood Baptist Church and served as a trustee for the Tanglewood Cemetery. He had also served on the Versailles Town Board. He was a member of the Tyson Methodist Church and a life member of the Versailles American Legion where he was a former post commander. Frank was an avid Cincinnati Reds fan and enjoyed woodworking. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 17 at the Tyson Methodist Church with Rev. Gwen Durkee officiating. Burial will be in the Tanglewood Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be on Monday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10 a.m. until time of services Tuesday at the church. Memorials may be given to the Versailles American Legion or Giving Hearts a Hand in care of the funeral home.