Vernon Joe Braham

Born September 23, 1934, to Gladys Morris Butcher in Belleville, WV.  Joe was raised by his grandparents, Robert and Hazel Morris of Parkersburg.

Joe went into the Navy at the age of 17 during the Korean War.  After basic training, he served his tour of duty as a Gunner’s Mate aboard the U.S.S. Melvin R. Nawman Destroyer Escort 416.  Joe was honorably discharged from service in 1955.

After military service, Joe worked for Corning Glass as a furnace operator until his retirement in 1994.  He was a member of the American Legion Post 15.  Joe looked forward to vacation time in the summer, especially fishing in Canada catching the “Big Ones.”

Joe is survived by his son, Dr. Jeffery (Stephanie) Braham, of White Sulphur Springs, WV; two granddaughters, Drs. Whitney (Jaschar) Shakuri-Rad of Morgantown, WV, and Jacqueline (Andy) Hudson of Greensboro, NC; and three great grandchildren – Cyrus and Darius Shakuri-Rad of Morgantown, WV and Hadley Hudson of Greensboro, NC.  Also, surviving are nieces, nephews, and friends.

Preceding Joe in death was his loving wife of 60+ years, Shirley Grogan Braham; his mother, Gladys Butcher; and his stepfather, Eber Butcher.  Also, preceding in death were Joe’s grandfather and grandmother, Robert and Hazel Morris, several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral services will be conducted 1:00 p.m. Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Vaughan Kimes Funeral Home. A visitation will be held 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.