Samuel Bracken

Sam T. Bracken, 87, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Sunday, April 18, 2010. He passed away at his beloved NAB Ranch in Smithson Valley, Texas, where he spent most of his final years, which brought him great joy. The family will receive friends at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Hwy, Tyler, on Friday April 23, 2010 from 5:00-7:00 PM. The celebration of Sam’s life is scheduled for Saturday, April 24, 2010 at Marvin United Methodist Church at 1:00 PM. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. Sam was born February 15, 1923 in Van, Texas to the late John Atticus “J.A.” and Rhoda Ann Shivers Bracken. He moved to Tyler in 1927 where he attended Gary Elementary, Hogg Junior High and Tyler High School. From there he went to Southern Methodist University where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. At the beginning of World War II, Sam was called into active duty in the United States Navy. He attended Officer Training Academy before being shipped to the Philippines. Sam was a patriotic American who contributed his time and money to make this country a better place for his family. Sam’s spiritual heritage was a legacy from his parents. The family motto, “As for me and my family we will serve the Lord,” inspired Sam to open his home for the daily Bible classes that took place there for many years. The multitude of people who attended those Bible studies were given the opportunity to receive the Bible doctrine and an understanding of what a true relationship with Jesus Christ is about. The results of those Bible studies are still being seen and felt throughout the community to this day. Sam was an avid collector of antiques, model cars and automobiles. His love for beautiful things and history inspired him to design and build beautiful homes. He masterfully restored many historically significant homes. Sam was also a partner in the Bracken Oil Company as well as a rancher and a member of the Bracken Land and Cattle Company. Sam was very active in many community organizations. He was a member of Marvin United Methodist Church, The Lions Club, Order of the Rose, Rose Festival Association, Community Concert, Symphony, Willow Brook Country Club, Texas Wildlife Association, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the National Rifle Association and many others. Known by his many nieces, nephews, and long time friends as “Rabbit”, he was an inspiration and example for many young people. He founded the Bracken Christian School in Bulverde in 1985 to provide Christian values for the youth of South Texas. He was also a generous supporter of Grace Community Schools of Tyler and afforded college opportunities to many who would not have had the ability or blessings to attend. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, John Atticus Bracken “J.A.” and Rhoda Ann Shivers Bracken; his two sisters, Ida Bracken Lewis and Addie Bracken Price; and his brothers, Glenn Harold Bracken and Jeff McClean Bracken. Sam is survived by his only child, Nancy Ann Bracken and only grandchildren, Samuel Bracken Walden and Mary Lawson Bracken Walden. He is also survived by ten adoring nieces and nephews, 25 great-nieces and nephews and 44 great-great-nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Atticus Bracken, Rob Bracken, Lee Cannan, Glenn Evans, Will Evans, J.J. Fischer, Fred Heldenfels, Andrew Pfaff, Bert T. Pfaff, John Price, Bracken Walden, Randall Walton and Randy West. Honorary pallbearers will be Jamie Boring, Robert Bracken, John Bryan, J.P. Bryan, Pete Chambers, Tom Chambers, Carter Evans, Jim Fischer, William Heldenfels, Rob Marshall, John Paul Price, Dick Summers, Ben Sutton, James Ulmer, Lonnie Uzzell, Mark Uzzell, Matt Uzzell and Bill Williams. The family expresses a special thank you to Dr. Chris Kopecky and the staff of Personal Care for their many years of devoted care and services. The family would like to request memorials in honor of Sam Bracken may be made to the Bracken Christian School, 670 Old Boerne Road, Bulverde, Texas 78163-3202, 830-438-3211. For more information or to express condolences, visit www.stewartfamilyfuneral.com.

Samuel Bracken

February 15, 1923 - April 18, 2010