Alan J. Brafford

Alan “Al” Brafford passed away peacefully on the morning of February 9, 2026, at the age of 66. He was born on November 2, 1959, to his late parents, Charles and Mary Alice (née Foppe) Brafford.

In addition to his parents, Alan was preceded in death by his father-in-law, William “Bill” Dobberstein; his brother, Lawrence “Larry” Brafford; and his sister, Linda Brafford.

Alan is survived by his treasured wife — his love at first sight and forever “Babydoll” of 42 years — Carol (née Dobberstein) Brafford. From the very beginning, Carol was the love of Alan’s life, and he never missed an opportunity to say so. Their marriage was filled with laughter, dancing in the kitchen, shared stories, and a partnership that never wavered. In later years, as they both faced health challenges, their bond only deepened. They became one another’s strength — caregivers, encouragers, protectors, and best friends. Through every appointment, every setback, and every victory, they stood side by side, living out their vows in the most beautiful and selfless way. To know Alan was to know how deeply he loved Carol; she was his greatest joy, his steady anchor, and the heart of his world.

He was a devoted father to Curtis (Jessica) Brafford and Lauren (Tavis) Bregel. He was an adoring Papa Al to Austin (Haley) Pope, Owen Brafford, and Scarlett Murray, and a proud great-grandfather to Beckham and Adalynn.

He was a cherished brother to Charlotte (Tim) Burkhart and Shirley (Jerry) Lockwood, as well as a brother-in-law to Beverly (the late Larry) Brafford and Michelle Spencer. He was a loving uncle to Colleen (Steve) Pfeiffenberger, Brandon (Tracey) Meininger, Jared (Sarah) Lockwood, Jill (Jesse) Sellers, Alex Spencer, and Robert (Stacy) Spencer. Alan was also a special son-in-law to Barbara (the late Bill) Dobberstein.

Alan also leaves behind many cousins, great-nieces and nephews, dear friends, and coworkers.

Alan was a stranger to no one on the west side. If you met him — you knew him — and you loved him. He was a well-known autobody man for 45 years, repairing cars all throughout the west side of Cincinnati. An exceptional handyman, Alan was beyond generous with his time, money, and words of wisdom.

Alan didn’t just repair cars — he loved teaching others the trade. He took great pride in sharing his knowledge, enthusiastically showing others how to fix what was broken and make it good as new. He demanded excellence and believed that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing right. He wasn’t afraid to be direct, and his sharp tongue often came with high expectations — but it was always rooted in pride, passion, and a desire to see others succeed. One of his greatest joys was teaching his son, Curtis, not only the skills of autobody work, but the pride, precision, and strong work ethic that came with it. For Alan, passing down his craft was about more than tools and technique — it was about building confidence, character, and a legacy that would live on.

Alan loved a good game of poker and thrived hosting “poker nights” for his daughter Lauren and her friends. Live music, good food (especially his wife Carol’s cooking), dancing, and telling stories were some of his favorite pastimes. Of all the things wonderful and true about Alan, he was most well-known for his love of entertaining.

He hosted unforgettable “Brafford Hour” events at various parties and family gatherings. “Brafford Hour” featured cash prizes, musical chairs, a fog machine, a toilet paper leaf blower, egg and balloon tosses, and dating show games. These events are held dearly as some of his friends and family members’ fondest memories.

All who wish to celebrate Alan are invited to a Visitation at Mihovk-Rosenacker, 10211 Plainfield Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45241, on Saturday, February 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a Memorial Service from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., and a Celebration of Life from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider donating to Chair Force 1 Foundation in Alan’s honor, which graciously provided Alan and Carol with a wheelchair-accessible vehicle due to his Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). Chair Force1 Foundation 3083 Triple Crown Dr., North Bend, Ohio, 45052.