William Richard "Bill" Brackeen

Services for William Richard "Bill" Brackeen, 72, of Gilmer, will be held on Wednesday, February 6, 2013, at 2 P.M. at Croley Funeral Home Chapel in Gladewater with Larry W. Osborne officiating. Burial will be in Gladewater Memorial Park. A lifelong resident of East Texas, Bill died on Sunday, February 3, 2013, after a long battle with Alzheimer"s. Born in Longview on October 29, 1940 to Jack and Dorothy Brackeen, he was the eldest of three children. Bill attended Gladewater schools, later transferring to New London, where he graduated in 1959. He attended Kilgore College. As a young man, Bill worked in the oil fields in surrounding areas. In 1966, Bill started his career at LeTourneau, Inc. where he spent the next 37 years in various positions throughout the company and achieved the Foreman of The Year Award in 1989. Bill was of Baptist faith and a strong believer in God. A compassionate and loving man, he enjoyed being with his grandchildren, family, and friends. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, and even gave oil painting a try. He liked to work on his bass boat and to play the guitar. He is survived by his wife, Brenda of Gladewater; sons and daughters- in-law, Kenneth and Sherry Brackeen of Hallsville; Adam and Cherie "JoJo" Brackeen of Comfort Texas; step-son and daughter-in- law, Adam and Kelly Weber of San Antonio. 3 grandchildren, Raegan, Haley. and Hunter Brackeen, all of Comfort Texas; sister and brother- in-law, Judy and Paul Phillips of Kilgore; brother and sister-in- law, Wally and Shirley Brackeen of New London; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Karen Thomas of Longview; mother-in-law Helen Thomas of Gladewater; and numerous nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents. The family would like to thank ETMC hospitals, Dr. Upendran and his staff for their loving and tender care of Bill. Also, much love and thanks to Emma Howard, Bill"s long time caregiver. If so desired, memorials may be made to the Longview Alzheimers Foundation in Bill"s name. No formal visitation is scheduled.