Oct. 20, 1936 – Oct. 29, 2019
Clarence Donald Braaten, 83, of Sweet Home died Oct. 29, 2019 at the Veterans Home in Lebanon.
He was born Oct. 20, 1936 in Eugene to Clarence Lenard and Melba Maxine (Copeland) Braaten.
Mr. Braaten served for four years in the United States Navy, during Korea. He lived in the Portland area then moved to the Salem/Aumsville area. He settled in Sweet Home after retiring.
Mr. Braaten married his high school sweetheart, Joanne VanCleave. They were married 40 years before she died. He later met Reta Pace at the bookstore in Sweet Home. They married in Sweet Home, and were together 14 years before she died, in 2017.
Mr. Braaten enjoyed hunting, fishing, the outdoors. He grew vegetables and enjoyed gardening. He loved woodworking and making furniture.
He is survived by his son, Lyle Braaten of Albany; daughter Denise Burrow of Sweet Home; and eight grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wives, Joanne and Reta; daughter Dawn Ann Slay; brothers Jerry and Karl Braaten; sister Lila (Braaten); and a grandson.
No service is planned at this time. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.