Dr. Loran Ralph Braught

Indiana State University Professor Emeritus, Dr. Loran Ralph Braught died May 24, 2025, at Terre Haute, IN. He was born May 18, 1934, in Des Moines, IA to Ralph Braught and Elizabeth Ann Riley who proceeded him in death, as well as His wife, Ruth E. Allen Braught whom he married 26 September 1964 at Des Moines, IA., as did one grandson, Nathaniel Zachary Braught. They have three surviving sons: Mark S. Braught of Commerce, GA.; Michael J with his wife Kathy Walker Braught with their Children Hannah and Sarah of Georgetown, TX; and Matthew C. Braught and their Children Benjamin, Melanie and David Stevens with their Child Lyla Jacksonville, NC., and Alexander Braught of Daleville, IN.
Dr. Braught graduated with B.A. degree in science from Iowa State College 1956; MEd in counseling from Drake University 1961; and PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from Iowa State University 1972. He also earned certificates in Lay Preaching from Southern Methodist University; graduate of Criminal Identification and 1 investigation from Cooke Institute; completed School Administration license at University of Iowa; and completed post doctorate studies in Reading from Indiana University. He was director of the once largest individual grant to Indiana State University in creating and directing an Indiana project of Student Bookstores awarded by the Lilly Foundation. He authored numerous professional articles and was an active speaker at state, regional, and national reading conferences. He served as chairperson of the ISU Court of Appeals, served on the ISU Faculty Senate and chaired several ISU faculty committees. He was an undergraduate School of Education Student Advisor for hundreds of students. He served on or chaired numerous master's degree and doctoral degree candidates.
He had careers as a Juvenile Probation and Parole Officer, Police Academy Self-Defense Instructor, Reading Clerk of the Iowa House of Representatives, Director of Training for Iowa Republican Headquarters, Director of Iowa Camp for Handicapped Children and Adults, Executive Secretary for the Polk County, IA. Council of Social Agencies Group Work Division, teacher, school Counselor, junior high school principal, and elementary principal, Professor of Elementary Education.
He was selected as the Des Moines, IA YMCA Youth of the Year and later as their Adult Volunteer of the year. He served on the Boy Scouts of the Tall Corn Council; was president of the Iowa AAU, Secretary of the U.S. Olympic Judo Committee, Vice President of the National AAU Judo Committee, co-chairperson of the first Iowa Special Olympics program. He was president of Indiana AAU and was author of the 1976 "Braught Amendment" that reorganized the National AAU as it continues to exist today. He was a recipient of the Phi Delta Kapa Honorary Education Society national outstanding service award. He was active in Boy Scouts as a Cub Master, Scoutmaster, Wood Badge Training Director, Regional Advisor of Wood Badge Training, and long time Wabash Valley BSA council vice-president. He was awarded the BSA District Award of Merit and the Silver Beaver and served several years as member-at-large of the Crossroads of America BSA Council Board. He served as president of the Wabash Valley Reading County, Regional Program Director for the International Reading Association, and was selected as the Volunteer of the year for the Indiana State Reading Association. He was the founding president of the Wabash Valley Genealogy Society, Life Member of the Indiana Genealogy Society, and author of family history books. Long time active member of the Maple Ave United Methodist church, board member of Terre Haute Kiwanis International, and past president Krislynn Woods Home Owners Association.
Dr. Braught was elected to the Iowa Swimming Hall of Fame after earning All-American honors in both high school and NCAA swimming. He was a certified swimming championship referee of Nebraska and Iowa. He was a national Red Cross Life Saving Instructor Trainer. He was an Iowa and Midwest Judo Champion, NRA Pistol and Rifle Instructor, and National Judo Referee.
There will be a cremation and Memorial service to celebrate the life Dr. Braught on Saturday May 31, 2025, at 4:00pm at the Maple Ave United Methodist Church, 1203 Maple Ave, Terre Haute, IN. In lieu of flowers it is requested that donations may be submitted to Maple Ave. United Methodist Church or The Friends of Camp Krietenstein, Ltd. 3 Park Lane, Terre Haute, IN 47803, In honor of him.
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