William Dean Bracken

William Dean Bracken, 61 of Anna, died Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

He was born on June 5, 1962, in Anna, the son of Bobbie Dean and Mildred Louise Pender Bracken. 

He married Pamela Diane Lazenby on July 10, 1982, in Anna. She preceded him in death on June 13, 2020.

Mr. Bracken is survived by his children, Amber (Robert) Mayberry and Nathan (Kaelynn) Bracken; grandchildren Carson, Remington, Greyson, Easton, Emerson, Wynston, Samson, Annaston, Jackson, Alexandria, Ava, Kylie, Titus and Josephine; sister Helen Bracken; brother Bobbie Bracken; step-sister Jacqueline (Jim) Sharp; sisters-in-law Tina Bryant and Mary Dew; brothers-in-law Leroy Lazenby and Lester Lazenby Jr.; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; his stepfather, James Fox; a grandchild, Sutton Bracken; a step-sister, Rena Hileman; and a step-brother, Jimmy Fox.

Mr. Bracken worked for the City of Jonesboro for 25 years. Prior to that, he worked at Hutson’s Furniture. He was always looking for yards to mow. 

He loved being outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and exploring the forest for ginseng and goldenseal, always hoping to catch a glimpse of an eagle. 

During his younger years, he was an accomplished athlete, participating in many sports. Later, he coached baseball and basketball. 

He enjoyed cooking and watching a good western, especially one starring John Wayne. He was a member of the Trinity Pentecostal Tabernacle in Jonesboro.

Funeral services for William Bracken were at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3, at Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro, with the Rev. Geoff Bond officiating. Interment followed in the Anna Cemetery. 

Memorials can be made to the family of William Bracken. 

To visit his memorial page and to leave online condolences for his family, visit the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home website at rendlemanhilemanfh.com.

Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro was in charge of arrangements.