SMYRNA - Kenneth Russell Bragg passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018 at his daughter and son-in-law's home in Magnolia, where he most recently resided.
Born in Whitby, W.Va. on June 14, 1931, he was the son of the late Emmett Russell Bragg and Hattie Lura Keaton Bragg. He graduated from Stoco High School in 1949 and served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1950 to 1953 during the Korean War. He then moved to Wilmington where he met the love of his life. He married Mildred Marie Buchan Erhart on Christmas Eve 1957 with his father, Rev. Emmett Bragg officiating the ceremony. They enjoyed the next 56 years together until Marie's passing in 2013.
He was well known for his love of antique cars. Kenneth and Marie took many road trips to look at and purchase antique cars which he restored. He was a member of various car clubs and they went to many car shows together. While he would restore the car and its engine, Marie would work on the upholstery. Kenneth also had an incredible ability to build and repair just about anything. He fully restored the original Spruance farm house in Smyrna after purchasing it in 1972. He and Marie lived in that home for the rest of their lives.
Kenneth was a long-time member of VFW Post 8801 of Clayton and was Post Commander in 1998-99. He was a member of the VFW Honor Guard for many years. Kenneth was a Thirty-second Degree Mason, member of Harmony Lodge #13 of Smyrna and received his 50 year membership commendation in 2017. He was also a member of the Smyrna American Legion Post 14. Kenneth worked in civil service at the Dover Air Force Base where he worked his way up from a warehouse worker to retiring as the General Foreman in charge of the Air Freight Terminal after 31 ½ years of service in 1987.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marie; brothers, Harold Bragg, David Bragg; and sister, Mabel Ramsey.
He is survived by son, Donald Erhart and wife Joan of Smyrna; daughter, Diane Erhart of Dover; and daughter, Linda M. (Bragg) Masten and husband Mark of Magnolia. He is also survived by siblings, Violet Maynard of Linden, Mich. and J.D. Bragg and wife Libby of Flint, Mich. He had 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018 at Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce St., Smyrna, DE 19977. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. with the service beginning at 12 p.m. After the ceremony, interment will be at Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. Dupont Hwy., New Castle.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Delaware Hospice, especially Julie and Pam, who assisted with his care in recent months.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Kenneth's name to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
To send a condolence, please visit www.matthewsbryson.com