WHEREAS, on the 30th day of December, A. D. 1941, the Great Creator of the Universe called to rest from his earthly labors, Joseph Benjamin Bracewell, and
WHEREAS, he was the second son of Joseph Marion, and Martha Elizabeth Bracewell, and was born during the Civil War July 27, 1863 in the State of Alabama, and came at an early age with his parents to Texas, and settled in the Mt. Pleasant community, and was married to Mollie Elvira Shanks, Oct. 20, 1886 who died July 11, 1913. To this union there were born the following children: Ernest, Charles Emmett, Joseph Searcy, Beulah Berta, Bertha Elvira, Reginald Shanks, and Benjamin Franklin, all of which children survive him except Beulah Berta, who died December 31, 1924. Mr. Bracewell was married a second time to Herman Rikard in the year 1919, to which union were born the following children, Ruth Cornelia and John Bunyan, all of whom survive him.
WHEREAS, the said Joseph Benjamin Bracewell was one of the most loyal and ardent members of the Reunion, always present at its meetings, not having missed a single Reunion since its organization, was a devoted Christian, a pioneer in the community, and a charter member of the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, he was devoted to his family, a good citizen, conscientious in his religious and political convictions, striving always to maintain high moral standards of living for himself and family, and
WHEREAS, if he could speak to us, we believe he could truthfully quote the Bible passage:
"I have fought a good fight.
I have finished my course.
I have kept the faith."
WHEREAS, his philosophy of life and immortality may be summed up in the words of the poet, Nellie Hurst as follows:
"The acorn merely ends its life as seed
To grow a mighty tree – to live indeed;
The worm, as worm, was never meant to die;
‘Twas meant for larger life as butterfly.
Because, as mortal man, we cease to draw our breath-
An incident of life—why call it death?
It is, indeed, the only way, the gate
By which we enter life’s completest state."
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Members of the Bracewell Reunion now in session express our deepest sorrow and regret on the passing of this beloved and honored member of our Reunion, AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be spread upon the minutes of this Reunion this 7th day of June, A. D. 1942.
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Family Records 
