Frank Braden
November 19, 1936 - September 18, 2025
Frank Braden, 88, of Ponca City, OK, died at home on Thursday, September 18, 2025. A Memorial Ceremony will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the Carolyn Renfro Center. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W. Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK, 74601.
Frank was born on November 19, 1936, at the Ponca City Hospital, to George and Nila (Hadden) Braden. At an early age, Frank learned to Cowboy by going with his dad, George, riding horses gathering and working cattle. To know him, you knew he had one speed S-L-O-W, which equated to him being a perfectionist at whatever he was doing. Frank was known to his children and grandchildren as Poppy. He had a wonderful sense of humor. He would tease and joke as his way of showing affection. Frank never met a stranger, and could visit with anyone. He would be the last one leaving the rodeo, ball game, etc. He attended grades 1 thru 6 at Braden School, sometimes riding his horse to school. He attended East Jr. High in Ponca City and completed his education at Ponca City High School, graduating in 1956. He was a member of FFA, serving as Chapter President; as well as, Senior Class President.
He married his favorite girl, Carole Rose Kesinger at the First Christina Church in Ponca City, in January 1957. Frank became a member of the Rodeo Cowboy Association, now known as the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association, and competed in RCA rodeos throughout the United States. Frank especially enjoyed competing at the Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and the Pendleton Round Up in Pendleton, Oregon, with the Cheyenne rodeo serving as the Braden family vacation. He roped in the National Finals Steer Roping Championship held at Pawhuska in 1964, Vinita in 1966, and McAlister in 1967-68.
In 2002, Frank was honored at the Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo in Vinita and inducted into their Rodeo Hall of Fame for his contribution to rodeo. His work career began with riding and training horses, working cattle, constructing arenas, barns, and his home. He also worked in pipeline and refinery construction as a pipe fitter, he and Carole owned and operated Cowboy Supply and Western Store for many years. He was also a proud member of the Osage Nation, helping to secure land for the Osage Casino in Ponca City, and was extremely knowledgeable in Native American issues.
Frank is survived by: his wife, Carole of the home; children, Bucky Braden and his wife, Dana, of Dewey, OK, Boyd Braden of Owasso, OK, Barry Braden and his wife, Tina, of Horatio, AR, Tina Beaty and her husband, Brad, of Ponca City, OK; grandchildren, Colt Braden, Tanner Braden, Blake Braden, Brett Braden, Brody Braden, Bryce Braden, Brylee Braden, Kaity Beaty, Braden Beaty; as well as, 8 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Nila Braden.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 445 Fairview Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601.
Visitation
Monday, September 22, 2025 5:00PM - 7:00PM
Beaty Home
3101 Cadet Rd
Ponca City, OK 74604
Final Resting Place
Odd Fellows Cemetery
1026 S. Waverly
Ponca City, OK
Funeral Home in Charge
