It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gene Braden (Francis Eugene), 93 of Bartlett, TN. He passed away peacefully on March 22, 2023.  Gene was born in Ripley, TN to Hiram and Annie Mae Braden in 1930.


Gene spent his youth working next to his siblings and his father in the cotton fields of Lauderdale County. He always hated picking cotton but loved his backyard garden! His harvest was always enough to provide summer produce for both friends and family.

Beyond his green thumb, Gene worked at Sears Roebuck for 32 years as the Regional Service Manager, he could fix anything! His passion for repair included the restoration of antique furniture, and the construction of beautiful bird mansions.

Gene married Betty Jo Watson and on August 29, 1959, they spent 57 years together until her passing in 2016. He is survived by his sister, Peggy Caldwell, two daughters, Cynthia Braden and Lori Harper, and granddaughters, Caitlin Glore and Elizabeth Bower.

We will celebrate his life with services on Wednesday March 29, 2023, at Forrest Hill Funeral Home East, 2440 Whitten Road, Memphis, TN. Family Visitation is 12:30 to 1:00pm. Public visitation 1:00 – 2:00pm. The funeral will begin at 2:00pm.