Robert Kenneth Bratten

Robert K Bratten Sr. passed away on October 8th, 2024, in his home surrounded by family. He
loved his family greatly and lived his life to serve the ones he loved.
Robert was born in Salisbury, Maryland, on June 17th, 1937 to Ralph Bratten & Margaret O'Grady.
After joining the US Army at the age of 17, he completed a tour of duty in the Korean peninsula,
and was then assigned to Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, where he met his lovely wife of 65 years,
Maria (Nona), married on May 10th, 1959. Following his service to his country as a Corporal in
the 82nd Army Airborne as a Military Policeman, he served his community as an El Paso Police
Officer. During this time, Robert attended night classes to earn his undergraduate degree in
Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at El Paso. The couple welcomed the birth of their
son, Robert Jr. (1960), and daughters, Rosemary (1963) & Margaret (1969). Following his time
riding in a motorcycle unit for the El Paso PD, he became a Detective in the
El Paso PD. Afterwards, he moved his family to Austin, Texas, where he would serve as a
Detective for the University of Texas System. Throughout this time, he also obtained a Masters
Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas. In 1975, Robert moved his family to San
Antonio, Texas, after receiving an offer from The University of Texas Health Science Center to act
as the Chief of Police. He was well liked, both as a colleague and boss, and served in this role
until his retirement in 2009.
Robert was a proud Marine, serving in the US Marine Corps Reserve as the Chief Warrant
Officer for his unit, overseeing the Motor Transport Unit of the 4th Reconnaissance Battalion
(USMCR). During this time, he received a Commendation for his actions in providing
humanitarian care to injured Marines and their families at Brooke Army Medical Center following
a fire at Camp Fuji, Japan, in 1979. He retired from the USMCR after 29 years as a Chief Warrant
Officer 4. In his free time, Robert loved to travel the country with his wife and family in his travel
trailer, and was an active board member in his travel club. Lastly, Robert was a member of the
Masonic lodge for 50 years, further embodying his love for selfless service.
Robert is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Maria (Nona) E. Bratten; children, Robert Jr.
(Kathy) Bratten, and Margaret (Michael) Moore; grandchildren, Robert III (BJ) Bratten; Crystal
(Matthew) Sewell, Monica (Bruce) Parsons, Travis Moore; and great grandchildren Quentin &
Logan Bratten; Caleb, Camden, & Carter Parsons. Robert was preceded in death by his parents,
Ralph & Margaret; and his daughter, Rosemary Bratten.
Robert was affectionately known by his grandchildren as "Wito", and was always exuberant with
wisdom & cheer. He will be deeply missed by those who loved him.
A funeral service with military honors will be held at 1:45 P.M. on Friday, November 1st, 2024 at
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Shelter #4. Please send flowers on the day of services,
no later than 12:30PM, to Funeral Caring USA at 6902 NE I-410 Loop Access Rd, San Antonio,
TX 78219.