J. Elwood Braund

TROY- J. Elwood Braund, 89, of, Troy, PA, entered eternal life with his Lord on October 8, 2013 at home. He was born December 4, 1923 in Wetona, PA to the late J. Ward and Florence Josephine Braund. When Elwood passed away, he left behind his wife of 65 years, Leatrice Jackson Braund. He loved to tell people that on their honeymoon to Niagara Falls, he and his bride took a limousine tour of the falls for $6.00, stayed a night in a motel for $5.00, and gassed up the car for the return trip home for 23 cents a gallon. They lived their life near Mt. Pisgah, in Wetona, PA, on their dairy farm, Braund-Valley Farms. Elwood’s spirit and character is carried on by his children, Gary (Eunice) Braund, of Wetona; Trudy (Paul) Sheeley, of Wetona; son-in law, David Walrath; 8 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. Other family members loved by Elwood and left behind to join him at a later time include: Jay (Jennifer) Braund and children Ben and Anna; Jeremy (Lisa) Braund and children Keegan and Raegan; Scott Walrath and daughter Ella; Jill Sheeley (Toby) Cole and children, Emilie, Meredith and Ethan; Melissa Walrath (Wayne) Beeman and children, Sela and Simon; Greta Braund (Eric) Kenyon and daughter Aubree; Aaron (Christina) Sheeley and children Aaden and Lillian; and Craig (Whitney) Sheeley and daughter Jordyn, as well as brother-in-law, William Jackson, who all adored him. He was a friend to everyone he met. Elwood was an active charter member of the Mt. Pisgah Wesleyan Church and Sunday school. He enjoyed welcoming people with a warm hand shake and a conversation. Elwood and Leatrice were instrumental in starting the Mt. Pisgah Wesleyan Church, which had its beginnings in their garage in 1994. He was an avid fan of the Mt. Pisgah Softball team, and was known as their #1 fan. They started Braund-Valley Farms with 15 dairy cows in 1951. His son Gary, and wife, Eunice, and his daughter, Trudy and her husband, Paul, carry on the tradition of Braund-Valley Farms. Until 3 weeks ago, Elwood and Leatrice would help out on the farm by feeding the heifers every morning. Elwood loved to operate the skid steer loader. He was an avid hunter, interested in genealogy, found and collected Indian arrow heads and loved spending time with this family at their many get-togethers. He always loved technology, including his computer and he kept in contact with his friends and family through e-mail and Face book. He loved taking pictures, whether it be video, slides or photographs. Elwood was the speaker for the class of 1942, commemorating 70 years at the Alumni Program at Troy High School, in 2012. A part of his speech that received tremendous applause was, “When I went to school our day started with prayer, bible reading, and saluting the American flag and we would often walk to the nearby church to practice for the Christmas program. I believe if that was still permitted, the jails wouldn't be so full.” Elwood was an inspiration to many in his walk with Christ. He loved the Lord with all his heart and he will be happy to meet us in heaven someday, if we have accepted Jesus in our heart and life. “Only one life twill soon be passed, Only what’s done for Christ will last.” He was preceded in death by his daughter, Gail Walrath, in 2011 and his sister, Janet Braund King Brown, in 2012. A memorial service will be held Sunday, October 13, 2013 at 1:00 PM at the Mt. Pisgah Wesleyan Church with his Pastor and good friend Rev. Lynn Ensign officiating. The family has entrusted the Gerald W. Vickery, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. 1093 West Main Street Troy, OA with the arrangements. For anyone would like to give a memorial gift, you may send it to the Mt. Pisgah Wesleyan Church P.O. Box 10 East Smithfield, Pa 18817.