Edward Charles Brayton

April 17, 1943 – Feb. 2, 2021

Edward Charles Brayton, also known as “Eddie,” was a longtime resident of Basin, Wyo. He lived a life of love for the outdoors, beautiful classic cars in his earlier years, ranching and riding horses, riding dirt bikes and motorcycles. He was a self-taught musician who mastered numerous musical instruments he played while singing and performing for close friends. Eddie operated a ham radio, having earned his professional licenses from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2009 and 2020.

He was known for his great smile, which was why his friends nicknamed him “Smiley” so many years ago. Everyone that knew him could count on his good-heartedness, compassionate nature, loyal friendship, appreciation for all goodwill efforts by others, and never-ending willingness to lend a helping hand to those that needed him. 

Our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, great-uncle, great-great-uncle, cousin, second cousin, and friend passed away at home in Basin, Wyo., on Feb. 2, 2021, at the age of 77. Eddie was born in Fresno, Calif., on April 17, 1943. He was the first child in a family of four children. Eddie and his siblings grew up in Montana. Throughout these years, Eddie enjoyed the ranch life in Reedpoint, where he graduated from Reedpoint High School in 1961. Eventually, he relocated to Missoula, Mont., to rejoin the rest of his family. Eddie traveled extensively after having enlisted in the US Army and received several honorable medals, including a National Defense Service Medal, Expert (Rifle M-14). In May of 1967, he received an Honorable Discharge from the service.

Being the cowboy that he was, he spent most of his career working on ranches in the Rockvale/Saint Xavier areas of Montana and the Hyattville/Manderson/Basin areas of Wyoming. He retired in 2006. As a member of the Worland Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Eddie was dedicated to ministering to fellow members and non-members.

His father, Billie Huch Brayton, his mother, Gail Joan Allen Brayton, his sister, Joan Berniece McCallum, his brother, Raymond Lester Brayton, and his nephew Michael Brayton preceded Eddie in death. 

He is survived by his daughter, Kina Lindbloom, his son, Quintin Brayton, his grandchildren, Kelcey Mulkey and Brooklyn (Jason) Zemliska; his great-grandchildren, Taelyn, Shayden, and Deklan Mulkey and Alex, Aiydenn, Aaiylah, and Azekiel Zemliska; his sister, Janice Adams, his sister-in-law, Pamela Brayton; his cousins, Gary Clevenger, Linda Ritchey, Hal Clevenger, and Brad Clevenger; his nephews, Chris McCallum, Travis Brayton, and Jeremy and Josh Adams.

Graveside services will be held at the Mount View Cemetery in Basin, Wyo., at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 12, 2021.  A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021, at the Atwood Family Chapel in Basin. Friends and family may leave condolences for the family at atwoodfamilyfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of Atwood Family Funeral Directors. 

 

 

 

 

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