Theodore Brackens, 98, of Waco passed away on July 31, 2015.
Funeral Services: 1 PM Friday, August 7, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 125 Turner St., with Rev. Trina Dixon officiating and Rev. Quinton Gipson as eulogist. Burial will follow at Antioch Cemetery near Hubbard.
Visitation: 6-8 PM at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel, 5201 Steinbeck Bend, in Waco.
A Time for Sunrise
“The days of our years are threescore years and ten ; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” Psalms 90:10
Theodore Brackens was born on January 1, 1917 in rural Hill county to William Brackens and Eva Barnes Brackens. Theodore or “Slim” as he was known to family and friends was the third of five children born to this union. Theodore’s life spanned four score and 18 years or 98 1/2 years.
A Time to Grow
During his early years Theodore Brackens attended school in the Antioch Community. His formal education ended around 8th grade in order to begin life education by working on farm. While in the Antioch Community his family attended Wesley UMC.
A Time for Harvest
“He who findeth a wife findeth a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.” Proverbs 18:22
Theodore met Atrice B Washington “Honey” and they were married July , 1936. This union lasted 47 years until she was called to glory on February 1983. On September 24, 1994 Theodore married Pearline McLeland. They shared many happy years working in the country and visiting family; she also preceded him in death in 2003.
He was follower of scripture “go fourth and multiply” to this union 13 children were born. He raised his family in Antioch and instilled in them a strong sense of work and family values. He knows about suffering . On December 25, 1960 during a house fire in the community of Antioch he lost four of his children(Gary Gene ”Bonnie”, Billy Gene “Son”, Lois Marie “Lump” & Melonee) and one grandchild (Johnny Ray). He also knew about resilience; at this time he relocated family to Waco, Tx. Upon arrival in Waco Mr. Brackens worked as driver for Rogers Cotton Seed Company and later Mercury Tools until his retirement in 1987. At this time he went back to his first love working the land in Antioch and tending his cattle. Upon moving to Waco the Brackens family united with Jones Chapel which later became Wesley United Methodist Church. It was not uncommon to see him standing and waving his hand in praise and agreement. He was recognized in 2006 by Wesley UMC as it oldest living member and has also been recognized by the Phelem Community for contributions to community over the years.
A Time for Sunset
Theodore dignifiedly departed this earth from at his home on Friday, July 31, 2015 at 8:20 PM . Theodore leaves an abundance of fond and precious memories that will be cherished by : his sons, James W. Brackens (Linda), Dallas, Tx, Theodore Brackens Jr. , Dallas, Tx, Louis Brackens, Waco, Tx; his daughters: Georgia King, Waco, Tx and Eva L. Robinson (John) Dallas, TX. One Sister, Rev. Alta M. Washington, Waco, Tx; His 20 Grandchildren, 31 Great Grandchildren, 23 Great- Great Grandchildren and 2 Great Great Great Grandchildren a host of other relatives and friends. His legacy will live in the many lives he touched for an eternity.
Pallbearers will be Louis V. Brackens, Jr., Michael Brackens, James Brackens, Jr., Brandon Brackens, Sidney King, Jr., Rashad King, Michael Hodge, and Fernando Christian.
Honorary pallbearers are Joe Willie Johnson, Jr., Billie Lewis, Tony Seal, Albert Blair, Wylie Blair, Carl Giles, and John W. Robinson.
Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online Guest Book at www.LakeShoreFH.com.
Contact Information:
Lake Shore Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Print Obituary & Condolences
May God who arms you with strength and keeps your way secure will give you peace at all times.My Condolence are with the Bracken&King Family
May the Lord watch over the family in the time of sorrow. Love you all. Will pray for all of you.
Mrs. King and family,
So sorry to hear about Mr. Brackens passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!! Love you all!!
DeAnna Randy and Brittni
So sorry for your loss. May God bless you and your family
Never thought this would happen granddaddy will surely be missed but never forgotten
Sorry for your lost I am praying for you and family rest in peace papa……..
Much like the earth’s journey around the sun, our journey through life is one of seasons, of light and darkness, and heat and cold, and that God is in it and over it and the Author and Finisher if it all. May God’s peace be with the Brackens Family during this time. Our hearts are heavy for Uncle Dodie was like a second father to us.
Love You Guys – George & Mauzy- Knoxville,Tn.
My heart dropped when I read this obituary. I always enjoyed my visits out to see Mr. Brackens because I knew I would be laughing the whole time. It was my pleasure to be able to meet and assist Mr. Brackens and his sweet family. My most sincere condolences.
Kristi Livingston-Hunter
Texas Department of Aging and Disability
GOD is good and we enjoy our time together know you are in our prayers and you always have our love. You have our condolences, may GOD bless and keep the family.
Toni& Vernon Woodall
Macon Georgia
My condolences to all of the Bracken family. I worked with Theodore for many years until his retirement. And he was always such a cheerful, happy, person to be around. It was an honor to know him. He always seemed younger than his years. He deserves a Special Place in Heaven! May he rest in peace.
Jack & Peggy Peck
Wow, I love my family and I lift us all up in prayer in this time of rejoicing the honor of a great father and granddaddy who has went home to join his other family in a better place with the Most High, with streets made of gold and never ending rivers of love, peace and happiness.
Sorry to hear about the loss of papa Brackens.
You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Vickie Bradford-Smith
Our sincerest condolences to the Brackens Family.
May God give you strength.
You all are in our prayers.
Cynthia, John IV and Sean
my love be with the family and Rashad king
MY LOVE IS TO ALL AND SORRY TO THE KINGS FAMILY AND LOVE YOU RASHAD KING
Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Love You! Thank you for LOVING me and Nana.
Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Love You! Thank you for LOVING me and Nana. You will ALWAYS be in my heart.
We are so sorry for your loss. To have been loved and respected by so many is a treasure. God’s plan is both for our life is both physical and spiritual.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (NIV) 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Mrs. King Nona and family,
May the Lord wrap his arms around you for comfort during this time of loss and sadness. My thoughts and prayers will be for the Brackens/King families.
Thanks so much for your kind expressions, your prayers and your attendance. Love you much!!
Hello Cousins,
We are praying for your strength during this difficult time. I remember the last time I visited Uncle Thedo. I know him, my granddaddy, Uncle Walter, and Uncle Billie are having a great reunion right about now. Your Arizona and DC family are thinking of you. We love you all!
Thanks Cousin Kristie,
Appreciate your thoughts and prayers; so glad that we got a chance to connect and look forward to creating more family memories in the future.
Love Nona
So sorry for your loss. The Johnson girls will miss him. He’s up in heaven carrying on the “rooster fight” with our dad.
Dorothy (sister), Mae, and Emma (Alfred Hitchcock)