Obituary of Edward D. Braschler

Edward D. Braschler of Doniphan, Missouri slipped the bonds of earth to join his heavenly father on March 31, 2020 at the age of 81 years. Ed was born March 12, 1939 in Doniphan, Missouri. The son of Gilbert D. Braschler and Mary R. Ponder Braschler. He was married to Judith Self on April 10, 1964, who survives, and is the father of two children, Jennifer Braschler Elliff and Jon Braschler both of Doniphan, Missouri. Loving granddaughters, Jordan R. Elliff and Jayla K. Elliff of Doniphan, and grandson Justin D. Harder of Springfield. He is also survived by loving nieces and nephews, Dan Wylie (Gayle), Janet Wylie, Joel Wylie (Kelly), Debby Holt (Benny), Kati Wylie Ray (Steve), sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Robertson of Festus and brother-in-law, James Dan Self (Anita) of Qulin, and a host of other nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by one sister, Joanne Wylie, and brother-in-law, Frank Wylie. Ed was a prominent banker in Poplar Bluff during his career, having worked at Commerce Bank of 25 years and with First Midwest Bank for approximately 15 years. He served as President of First Midwest Bank as well as CEO of Midwest Bancshares until his retirement. Following high school he attended Arkansas State University, numerous banking schools including the University of Wisconsin, Illinois University in Chicago, and UMKC in Kansas City. He spent many years active in local organizations including the Junior Chamber of Commerce where he served as Treasurer and Chairman. He served as President and Chairman of Poplar Bluff Industries in the early eighties. He was an avid Raiders basketball fan and assisted in establishing the first dormitory on the campus designed for the basketball team. His proudest accomplishment was serving as a founding director of the MASTERS organization, in 1979, consisting of a group of representatives over the State of Missouri, for the purpose of assisting the families of Highway Patrol officers killed in the line of duty. He served as Treasurer, President, Director and Director Emeritus. Ed had a love for the land. He enjoyed farming and ranching all of his life. He was known as the unofficial mayor of the Pratt community and deeply loved those in the community. He was a loving husband, Daddy, Grandpa, hero and leader to his family and will be deeply missed. Due to current social distancing practices, the family will have a small graveside service with a memorial to follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the MASTERS organization, in memory of Ed Braschler, at 780 County Road 383, Whitewater, MO 63785.