Thomas F. Braddock, referred to by many as Tom, passed away Monday, June 5th, 2023 at Regional West Medical Center, age 79. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family and faith.
Tom was born to Florence (Langan) and Darrell Braddock on March 16th, 1944, in Scottsbluff Nebraska. He began his schooling years in Scottsbluff before moving to Morrill where he received his diploma from Morrill High School in 1962. Proceeding graduation, Tom completed courses at Milford Trade School, ultimately obtaining his mechanics certification in 1964. He then returned to Scottsbluff and went into the workforce. Tom, no stranger to hard work, became a part of the Simons Construction team responsible for building the road from Scottsbluff, through the Wildcat Hills and on into Harrisburg. Following this, Tom spent 11 years working with the City of Scottsbluff, and 27 years at Waterflo Industries before culminating his career with Kelly Deines Irrigation in 2009.
In the evenings and weekends when the work was all done, one place you could find Tom was on the bowling lanes. He was not only the anchor for his team but an active participant and board member of the Scottsbluff Men’s Bowling Association for over 32 years. Other interests of Tom’s included stock car racing at Oregon Trail Speedway. He was known as Bob Henkel’s chief mechanic for multiple years, enjoying every minute of it. This competitive nature overflowed into family gatherings during any board, yard, or card games. On full display was Tom’s promise to win by any means necessary! Losing was NOT an option he was willing to consider.
The morning of October 8th, 1966 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Tom married his beloved Charlene (Walton). Together they celebrated 56 years of marriage, raising 4 daughters; Amy, Cheryl, Joey, and Kerrie who blessed them with 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Family meant the world to Tom. He enjoyed teaching family members the countless skills he had accumulated throughout his life. No matter the event, the weather, or the distance, Tom showed up to support his children and grandchildren. Holidays were a treasured time spent with family, close friends, and a good ball game!
Tom is survived by his wife, Charlene; 3 daughters, Amy (Brian) Fenimore of Cheyenne WY, Cheryl (Tom) Watson of Bozeman MT, and Kerrie (Grady) Thomas of Severn MD; son in law, David Benavidez of Scottsbluff NE; 5 grandchildren: Eric (Janell) Watson, Zachary Fenimore, Kasey Watson, Jordyn Fenimore and Kortney Thomas; 3 great-grandchildren: Coy, Rye, and Karson Watson.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jimmy and Bill Braddock; sister, Betty Moore; daughter, Joey Benavidez; and grandchildren, Kelly Fenimore and Kaylene Thomas.
A visitation for Thomas will be held Thursday, June 8, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Dugan-Kramer Funeral Home with rosary to follow at 7:00 PM at St. Agnes Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur Friday, June 9, 2023 at 10:30 AM at St. Agnes Catholic Church. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dugankramer.com for the Braddock family.