Marv Braden

Marvin Preston Braden (Marv), Husband-Father-Grandfather-Friend-Coach, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 14, 2022 at NorthCare Hospice House in North Kansas City. He is thrilled to be joining his lovely wife, Becky.

Marv is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Frank Bartkowski of Weatherby Lake, MO, and grandson, Matthew Bartkowski of Stillwater, MN; nephew, Michael Nowak of Prescott, AZ; sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Allen and her children Robert Allen III and Elizabeth Hockamier (Tab), all of Phoenix, AZ. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Becky Allen Braden; his parents, William and Harriett (Grose) Braden; and sisters, Lorraine, Mary, Nadine, and Sue.

Marv was born on January 25, 1938 in Kansas City, MO, where he graduated from Westport High School. In 1960, he graduated from Southwest Missouri State University. Marv received his Master’s degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1962, where he was a grad assistant.

Marv's 40-year career provided him the opportunity to coach and teach the great sport of football: six years as a college head coach, 11 years as an assistant in the Big Eight, Southwest, and Big Ten conferences, and 22 years in the NFL. He coached in two Super Bowls, coached 13 players voted All Pro, and coached #1 ranked Special Teams in the NFL five different years.

Marv would say he was allowed to associate with some of the finest coaches in America and rub shoulders with some of the greatest athletes to play the game of football. One of his great pleasures was the unique bond developed between a group of young men from Cal Western that still continues today.

“My wife, my family, and my friends are my treasures. The God I love has blessed me far beyond my greatest expectations.”

Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 10:30 am, on Friday, March 18, in the chapel at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, 1600 North State Route 291, Liberty, MO 64068.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 10:30 am, on Friday, March 18, in the chapel at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, 1600 North State Route 291, Liberty, MO 64068.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.