Dewey Ray Bratcher

Dewey Ray Bratcher, age 89, was called home to be with the Lord on March 12, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, hard work, and unwavering devotion to family. He was born on July 4, 1935, in Butler County, the cherished son of Wavy Earl and Sibbie Swift Bratcher.

A proud veteran of the Air Force, Dewey returned to his roots and began a beautiful journey of love with his wife, Lovell (Tootsie) Tarrance Bratcher, with whom he shared 68 wonderful years of marriage. Their bond was a testament to enduring love and partnership.

Dewey dedicated his life to work, retiring as a skilled heavy equipment operator after many years with Tom Brown Construction. He was not only a master of his craft but also a devoted farmer who raised cattle and embraced the simple joys of rural life. In his later years, he found comfort in watching westerns, often reminiscing about his own life adventures.

Family was Dewey’s world. He poured his heart into his children, Shela and Steve (Anita) Bratcher, instilling in them the strong work ethic and values that he exemplified throughout his life. As a beloved papaw, he delighted in the company of his grandchildren, Meranda (Chris) Sandlin and Trellyn Kaufman-Gibson, and he cherished the laughter and love brought by his great-granddaughters, Aurora Quinn Kaufman-Gibson and Annabelle Lee Kaufman-Gibson.

Dewey's legacy will also be carried on by his siblings, Dalis (Evelyn) Embry and E. Sue (Kendol) Tarrance, as well as a host of friends who knew him as a steadfast supporter, always ready to lend a helping hand.

Preceded in death by his loving wife and parents, Dewey is also preceded in death by four brothers: Thurstal, Roy E., Glendon Bratcher, and Larry Eugene Embry, who now welcome him with open arms.

Funeral services will be held to celebrate Dewey's life and the indelible impact he made on all who knew him. A public viewing will take place at Caneyville Funeral Home on Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The funeral service will take place 1:00 pm on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Caneyville Funeral Home. Dewey will be laid to rest at Lower Bates Cemetery on Dog Creek Road, Caneyville, KY.

As we remember Dewey, let us celebrate a life well-lived—one characterized by kindness, dedication, and a profound love for family. His spirit will live on in the many lives he touched, and he will be dearly missed.

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