Michael Eric Braden

Michael Eric Braden, 50, of Oak Ridge, earned his wings Wednesday, March 13, after a courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

Mr. Braden was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., to Patricia Hill and Robert Braden. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an aviation ordinance man, where he served 10 years active duty and three years in the Reserves and National Guard. He was very proud of his military service.

Mr. Braden was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church, teaching fourth grade Sunday School until his illness progressed. He was an avid sportsman, loved University of Tennessee sports, Pittsburgh Steelers football, and Pittsburgh Penguins hockey, but his favorite pastime was caring for their horse Lucky with his daughter.

He is survived by his wife Sheila Cox Braden; children, Cassie Braden of Virginia Beach, Va., Zachary Corwin and Emily Braden of Oak Ridge, and USMC LCpl Jonathan and Erin Corwin of Twenty-nine Palms, Calif.; his parents, Robert and Patricia Garrett of Elkton, Tenn., and Robert Braden of Cheswick, Pa.; grandparents, B.D. and Effie Taylor; sisters and their husbands, Michelle and Wayde McCulloch of Clarksville, and Vanessa and Todd Workman of Calera, Ala.; step-sisters, Angela Garrett of Pulaski, Tenn., and Melissa Lowry and Amanda Futch of Portsmouth, Va.; parents-in-law Larry and Brenda Cox; brother-in-law Robert Cox, all of Oak Ridge; special nieces Christina and Caylen Moore; and several other nieces, nephews, and family members and special friends, Faye McDonald, Sherry Atkins, and Kent Warren.

The family would like to thank the many members of Calvary Baptist for their prayers, cards, calls, and meals during his illness. He was loved by many and will forever be in our hearts.

The family will receive friends Saturday, March 16, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church. The funeral will follow at 4 p.m. with Dr. Steve McDonald officiating. Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard. Honoring his request, Mr. Braden’s body will be cremated.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations to be made to the ALSA Tennessee Chapter, P.O. Box 40244, Nashville, TN 37204-0244.

Weatherford Mortuary is handling the arrangements. An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.