Karl Hausen Braddick Jr.

Karl Hausen Braddick was born in Big Spring, Texas on Feb 1, 1919, the first of 12 children to Karl and Egla Louzelle Braddick. His dad was a coppersmith for the railroad. After a short stint in the oil fields of El Dorado, Arkansas, Karl’s family moved to Houston. Karl grew up in Northwest Houston during the depression. The family lived on the original 10 acres settled by Karl’s grandfather, where they grew their own food, bartered, and hunted to put food on the table. Karl often hunted for small game. He had to be a good shot because he could not afford many bullets. Squirrel, rabbit, white wing dove, and frog legs were some of his favorites. He would recall that we did not have any money during those days but we had a lot of fun. Karl quit High School to work for the WPA with his father to help feed the family, and he later completed his GED to receive his High School Diploma. Having walked barefoot during the early years, he received his first pair of shoes at age 18. His aunt Hazel paid for him to attend and receive a two year degree in accounting. His first job was working in the mail room for Superior Oil in Houston. On July 11, 1941 Karl married Martha Jane Holland, his first kiss and the love of his life. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Karl enlisted in the Navy and became an optical range finder operator. In the war, he became a plank owner on two ships: The USS Saufley DDS 465 and the USS Franklin CV 13. Karl was in seven major battles and many skirmishes earning one silver and two bronze stars. On March 1945 and 50 miles off the coast of Japan, Karl was 6 decks below when The USS Franklin was hit with two 500 lb bombs hitting the stored ammo and blowing the ship apart killing over 800 men. Karl survived unharmed. After the war, Karl went back to his job with Superior Oil where he moved up accepting positions in Midland, Texas, Los Angeles, California, Caracas, Venezuela, New York, New York, and Dallas, Texas. He was known for saying that every place he lived was the best until he moved to another place and then that was the best place. The same could be said when he ate a good meal. He retired with Exxon Mobil in 1985. As a boy Karl dreamed about having a home on top of big hill with a great view. After searching for two years, Karl and Jane moved to Canyon Lake where they purchased property and built a hill top home that people would want to visit. Karl loved to have fun and share with friends. Karl died peacefully at home being cared for by Tom and Maria Braddick. Karl is survived by Sons: Karl Braddick, Tom and Maria Braddick, Wayne and Suzanne Braddick. Grandchildren: Lori Johnson, Jonathan Braddick, Michael Braddick, Omar Braddick, Ricardo Braddick, and Claire Braddick. Great Grandchildren: Tatiana Braddick, Mundo Braddick, Isaiah Braddick, Noah Johnson, and Christian Johnson. The Services will be held at: Brookside Memorial Park, 13401 Eastex Freeway, Houston, Tx. 77039. 281-449-6511. Visitation will be on Tuesday January 7th 5 to 8PM and the Funeral service will be Wednesday January 8th at 11AM.