Braden Ben Wedel

Our son, Braden Ben Wedel, was born to us, Jamie and Kathy Wedel, on June 24, 2005, in Mayfield, KY. He stole our hearts with the first breath he took. While living in Ringwood, OK, the angels came and took him home in the early morning hours of Feb. 1, 2025. He reached the age of 19 years and 8 months. Death was the result of a seizure.

Braden grew up on a poultry farm in Wingo, KY. His childhood was spent playing outside, helping his dad at Derkson Portable Buildings, and playing with his siblings in the front yard. He was a lover of the outdoors and spent many hours outside. God gifted him with physical strength. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. 

When he was ten, we as a family went to Mozambique and spent three wonderful years there. He made friends immediately and immersed himself in their culture. It quickly became evident that language was his gift. He spent many hours playing soccer outside our gate. His friends were many, often calling us ‘Pai de Braden’ (dad of Braden) and ‘Mae de Braden’ (mom of Braden) when we were out in the village. At the age of twelve years old, Braden felt the call of God. He was baptized under the hot sun in the village of Ramiane by Pastor Juliano Catiza on Nov. 5, 2017. These years were special to him and he loved his familia de Mocambique. 

Braden received his education at Mt. Pleasant Christian School, as well as three years in the mission. He enjoyed recess and his friends, but school was not his forte.

At the age of fifteen, Braden came to Oklahoma to help with harvest, falling in love with the country and the people. They became his people, and Oklahoma became his home. He often told us that we needed to move where he was. He came back home several times, but always felt drawn back to Oklahoma. 

He made friends easily, and relationships were important to him. He loved big, and was friends with the young and old. He didn’t know a stranger and would talk to anyone. 

Braden’s life was not without trials and struggles. Recently when he found out he had epilepsy, he deepened his walk with God. We treasure his telling us that he wanted to do whatever it took to get himself and those around him to Heaven. In doing that, he expressed a freedom in being the man God wanted him to be. 

Braden loved children, and children were drawn to him and trusted him despite his size. He was often holding a baby or reading stories to the little ones. He loved to roughhouse and play with them. 

He was an animated storyteller, and could imitate sounds to make you feel like you were there, often using words like ‘Ka-BOOM’ to emphasize his point. 

Braden was a lover of song, often sending us songs. We thrilled to hear his bass voice. From a little boy on, we knew it was a good day if he was singing or humming.

In January of ‘24, he went to Sleepy Creek Boys’ Camp to be on the maintenance team. His term was shortened when he started having seizures. He made a lot of memories while there. 

 Braden had many dreams and aspirations for his future, often telling us about them. He was looking forward to going to boys’ preparatory class in two weeks. We wondered where life would take him and what occupation he would settle on. But as Braden wrote while at Sleepy Creek, “When the Lord called, it felt right and I left with no second thought.” We feel comforted to know that, “Ele ganhou a batalha” (he has won the battle) and is free from all physical restraints.

 Left with aching hearts are his parents, Jamie and Kathy; siblings, Colton, Kelli Jo, Mallory and Greyson, of the home; paternal grandparents, Lynn and Annie Wedel, Dukedom, TN; maternal grandparents, Terry and Judy Harms, Murray, KY; special cousin and co-worker, Tabitha Nightengale, Togo, Africa; many aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as a host of friends. 

 We as a family have much appreciation for Uncle Darcy and Aunt Nancy and the rest of the Reimer family for welcoming and accepting Braden into their family. His family and cousins were all special to him. He has started our family circle in heaven, and we will meet him there.

“Look for me, for I will be there, too. . . “