Thomas M. Braden's Obituary
BRADEN, Thomas M., age 73, of Bellbrook, passed away Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the Laurels of Kettering.
Thomas was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, and was very proud of his grassroots. He earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology at Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY. Later in life, he was awarded the title of Kentucky Colonel. For over 30 years, he owned and operated Aschbacher & Associates Inc. He officially retired as President in 2019. He shared a deep appreciation for his staff, especially Gina Nayles, Elaine Ott, Lori Silvinski, and Cindy Brown. He was associated with Ascension Catholic Church, but prior to his passing, he made the decision to be baptized into Jesus Christ at the Cornerstone Church of Christ in Centerville, OH, where his son attends.
While very loving and kind-hearted, Thomas had a bullheaded and ornery streak to him. He was quick-witted and could easily find a way to slip in a funny comment, joke, or good-natured trash talk in almost any situation when you least expected it. Though he was born and raised in Louisville, KY, he was always a part of the Big Blue Nation, following and cheering on his beloved Kentucky Wildcats basketball team to five national titles in his lifetime. On game days, if he wasn’t traveling to watch the Wildcats, he would always be hunkered in “the bunker” around the TV or listening to the call of the game on the radio with his friends and family. If you were one of the lucky few who called the house during a UK basketball game, those in attendance would hear Thomas belt out in jest, “whose ignorant friend is calling during a Kentucky game!” Over the years, he accumulated quite a collection of UK memorabilia, proudly displayed in what was known as the infamous Kentucky Room.
When his boys were growing up, the family made regular trips to Myrtle Beach, SC, for summer vacations, which, upon their return home, usually culminated in a famous fireworks show for the neighborhood. The Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown horse races were a big event in the Braden family. Thomas would often host a party or small gathering to celebrate The Derby. He enjoyed cooking and was well known for his chili, steak, pancakes, and roasts. For a time, he hosted a pork barbecue cook-off at the house, with friends and family in attendance for the big event. He took pride and enjoyed working in his yard and taking care of his pool. Family was everything to Thomas. He loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He had a close, loving relationship with his late big brother, Mark, and his sister, Linda. Among many things, Thomas will be remembered for his love for his family and friends and for his kind-hearted, generous, and hospitable treatment of all those who were around him.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Marian Braden, his brother, Mark Stephen Braden, and his very close friend, Jim “The Colonel” Ryan. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Sara; two sons, Paul (Stephanie) Braden and Michael Braden; four grandchildren, Madison, Makenzie, Hayley, and Jack; his sister, Linda (George) Haming; seven nieces and nephews; and his cousin and best travel buddy, Tim (Vicki) Queenan.
A celebration of life service will be held at 6 pm on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Conner & Koch Funeral Home in Bellbrook. Matthew Allen will deliver a short service followed by a eulogy from his sister-in-law, Sandy Ogdan. The family will receive friends and family from 4 – 6 pm on Monday at the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be made at https://www.connerandkoch.com.
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