Kenneth "Buster" Bratten

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Kenneth "Buster" Bratten, 95, of Jonesboro died Friday, Jan. 16, 2009, at St. Elizabeth's Place. Born May 12, 1913, at Tuckerman he moved to Monette as a teenager. He married Lola Sue Powell in 1934. He was a World War II Army veteran. After the war, he opened the Caraway Cleaners and moved there with his family. He moved to Jonesboro in 1969 and worked for auto dealerships until 1977, when he retired. He and Mrs. Bratten moved to Hardy for 13 years and then to Walnut Ridge until entering the nursing home. He was the last living merchant of the downtown Caraway area from his era, and a 50-year member of the Caraway Masonic Lodge.

He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Larry and Ollie Bratten of Hardy, and Jim and Ruth Bratten of Jonesboro; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Lola Sue Bratten; brothers, John Bratten, Matt Bratten and Jim Bratten; and sisters, Drew Ludwig and Sally Swing.

A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Monday in the Jonesboro Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel with Rick Steven officiating. Emerson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

To sign the online register log on to www.emersonfuneralhome.com.