Norman A. Bracken, 86, of Burkeville, TX, passed from this earth into eternal glory on Wednesday, April 19, 2023.

Norman was born in West Monroe, LA, on October 10, 1936, son of the late Joe and Angie Bracken.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of almost forty-seven years, Linda Bracken of Burkeville, TX; sons,  Dustin Bracken of Huntsville, AL, Scott Bracken and Mary of Bivens, LA; daughters, Danita Reyna and Fonz of Midland, TX, Maria Daw and Joe of Copley, OH, Melinda Peters and Curtis of Azle, TX, Brandi Greer and Kent of Burkeville, TX, Nicole Reeves and J.T. of Dry Creek, LA; sister, Kaye Waits of Arcadia, LA; grandchildren, Timothy Reynolds, Christopher Reynolds, Colby Cudney, Corey Cudney, Kaleb Bracken, Eli Bracken, Haley Greer, Gabbie Greer, Gage Greer, Bailey Reeves, Laramie Reeves, Kristen Reeves, Ethan Reeves, Weston Reeves, Cooper Reeves, Angelica Gomez, Margarita Gomez, Selena “ Brooke” Rice; eight great grandchildren; beloved pet, Jethro and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Angie Bracken; brother, Charles Bracken; son, Baby Boy Bracken; daughter, Diana Bracken.

Norman served three years in the US Marine Corps, during the 1950’s as a radio telegraph operator and was honorably discharged at the rank of SGT. He also held several jobs over his lifetime: milkman, Greyhound bus driver, manager at Gibson’s Discount Store, plumber, and he sold life insurance. He had a long career of almost thirty years with McCarty Corp as a quality control inspector.

In his early years, Norman liked to tinker with old cars, was an avid bowler, and a member of Kiwanis. He later became a hummingbird enthusiast and always loved to read, sing and work in the yard. Over the last nine years, he spent most of his time doing housework and yard work with his “buddy” Jethro, his beloved dog.

Norman was a born-again believer and loved the Lord. He was a deacon and song leader at Jonesboro COC from 1967-1975, a traveling preacher, preacher at a church in Lufkin, TX and a member of Christway Church for almost twenty years.

He loved God, his wife, his children, and family. He loved his dog and he loved the saying, “I’m finer than frog hair split three ways.”

“To make a long story short”, a celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Christway Church, 207 Lawlis Rd, DeRidder, LA. Brother Vic Warrick and Brother Kennis Smith will officiate the service. Honorary Pallbearers will be Timothy Reynolds, Christopher Reynolds, Colby Cudney, Corey Cudney, Kaleb Bracken, Eli Bracken, Gage Greer, Laramie Reeves, Ethan Reeves, Weston Reeves, Cooper Reeves.

Family and Friends are welcome to gather before the service for refreshments.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to Christway Church. You can give by texting the word “memorial” to 337-242-7860; online at Christwayla.org – click on “give” and choose “memorial”; or mail a check to Christway Church, PO Box 1776, DeRidder, LA, 70634.

Services are under the direction of Myers-Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA.