Kenneth "Buster" Bratten

Kenneth “Buster” Bratten, 95, of Jonesboro, died Friday night at St. Elizabeth’s Place. He was born May 12, 1913 in Tuckerman and moved to Monette as a teenager. He married Lola Sue Powell in 1934. He was a World War II Army veteran. After the war was over, he opened the Caraway Cleaners and moved there with his family. He operated the cleaners the remainder of the 1940s, 50s and 60s. He moved to Jonesboro in 1969 and worked for auto dealerships until 1977 when he retired. He and Mrs. Bratten moved to Hardy for 13 years and then to Walnut Ridge until entering the nursing home. Mr. Bratten had many friends and family over the years. He was the last living merchant of the downtown Caraway area from his era. He was a 50 year member of the Caraway Masonic Lodge.

He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Larry & Ollie Bratten, Hardy, Jim & Ruth Bratten, Jonesboro; 5 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Lola Sue Bratten; brothers, John Bratten, Matt Bratten, Jim Bratten; sisters, Drew Ludwig and Sally Swink.

Graveside services will be held Monday at 2:00 p.m. at the Jonesboro Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel with Rick Stevens officiating. Emerson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation will be Monday from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home.