John Edward Bragg

John Richard Bragg, 88 of Livingston, Montana passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 17, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loved ones. Per Johns request cremation has taken place and no funeral services are planned. John was born September 6, 1925 to John and Lela (Cropper) Bragg in Cambridge, Ohio. He served in the US Navy from 1943 to 1946. In 1943 as a 17 year old young man he begged his mom to sign for his entry into World War II where he became a Navy Frogman "Navy Seals." He was awarded 5 battle stars for five different invasions in the South Pacific and was honorably discharged on August 28, 1946. As an avid fisherman, hunter and outdoorsman, Montana drew John to Livingston in 1952. He was an accomplished auto body and paint man for 37 years. In 1956 he married Von Anne Virden, they were divorced in 1980. They had three children. In 1981 John married Dorothy Keates Rossell, a former high school classmate, in Cambridge Ohio. He loved buying and refurbishing private aircraft. He logged over 2,500 hours flying over Montana and knew it like he knew the back of his hand. In August 1959 he and a photographer were the first to fly over the Quake Lake earthquake. Photos later appeared in Life Magazine. He also flew for the Park County Sheriffs office to help thwart Cattle Rustlers. John passed away at home early Sunday morning surrounded by his loving family. John is survived by his wife, Dorothy, Daughter Sheila Segil (Bob) of Livingston, son Jeff Bragg (Laurie) of Great Falls, and Mark Bragg (Tracy) of Livingston. Grandsons, Jeff Bragg, Jr. (Molly) and their son Baylor, his first great grandson of Great Falls, Cavin Segil of Bozeman, Keaton Segil currently serving a two year mission in South Africa, and Nicholas Bragg of Livingston. John was preceded in death by his mother, father, two brothers, three sisters and numerous nieces and nephews. John battled Type I diabetes for over 64 years to the amazement of the medical community. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the Stafford Animal Shelter. Arrangements are under the direction of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory in Livingston.