Edward Braams

Edward Ray Braams entered his eternal home on Thursday, October 4, 2007, at the age of 94 years, 11 months, and 9 days, at the Golden Living Center, Franklin, Nebraska, where he had been a resident since April, 2007, due to a stroke. Funeral services were at10:00 a.m.,Thursday, October 11th 2007, at the Grace Lutheran Church, Franklin, Nebraska, with Pastor Ronald Kuehner officiating. Mrs. Laura Adams was the organist and the congregation sang: "My Redeemer Lives", "How Great Thou Art", and " What A Friend We Have In Jesus." Casket bearers were: Raymond Duncan, David Duncan, Leo Schmidt, Marvin Hinrichs, Lyle Skyles, and Lyle Johnson. Interment was in the Greenwood Cemetery, Franklin, Nebraska. In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a memorial to Grace Lutheran Church, 1206 N. Street, Franklin, Nebraska, 68939. Service arrangements were handled by Hutchins Funeral Home, Franklin, Nebraska.

He was born in Kansas City, Kansas, on October 25, 1912, to Benjamin and Anna (Hinrichs) Braams. Edward was confirmed in the Lutheran Church and baptized as an infant in Kansas City. As a child, his family moved to a farm in Hildreth, Nebraska, where he received his education and graduated in 1931. He courted Helen Blank and they were united in marriage at the Macon Methodist Church on August 2, 1936. After their marriage, Edward and Helen made their home in Kansas City, Kansas, due to employment opportunities. To this marriage two daughters were born - Marilyn Billingsley and Erma Trimble.

Edward was a faithful member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Kansas City from 1940's to 1975. He retired from the Union Pacific Railroad in 1975, just short of 35 years of service as a car inspector and supervisor. Following retirement, he and Helen moved to Franklin, Nebraska, in 1975, so they could be close to family and get back to their Nebraska roots.

In retirement, he loved gardening, mowing, painting houses, fishing, and working outdoors. His faith was in important part of his life and after moving to Franklin, became a member of Grace Lutheran Church, where he served his Lord in many capacities over the years.

Ed was preceded in death by his wife; parents; sister-Leona Farr; and brother- Elmer Braams. Surviving are two daughters- Marilyn Billingsley of Louisburg, Kansas; Erma Trimble of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; six grandsons: Brent Trimble, Olathe, Kansas, Sheldon Trimble, Olathe, Kansas, John Billingsley, III, MD, of Springdale, Arkansas, Scot Billingsley, Louisburg, Kansas, Mark Billingsley, Osawatomie, Kansas, and Brad Billingsley, Caney, Kansas. He also leaves behind eleven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; one nephew, Ronald Braams, Concordia, Kansas; two nieces, Carole Farr and Barbara Welcome of Redmond, Washington; and a brother-in-law, Dewey Farr.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a good friend to all. He will be missed.