Vernon 'Hap' Bratcher

    Vernon (Hap) Bratcher passed away at the age of 99 on November 16, 2022.
    He was born on February 19, 1923 in a dugout on a ranch in southwest Dawson County to Barney and Maggie Bratcher.
    He graduated from Lamesa High School. After graduation he helped his family farm west of Lamesa. In 1943 he enlisted in the United States Army and served with the 2125th Quartermaster Truck Company B in India, Burma and China Offensive hauling equipment and bombs. 
    After being honorably discharged in 1946, he returned to Dawson County and farmed. After the drought of the 1950’s, he went to work for Kansas City Life in Lubbock, Texas. In 1959 he attended Southern Methodist University and received a certificate of Real Estate and Appraisal. In 1960 he opened Hap Bratcher Real Estate in Lamesa and became chief appraisal for Kansas City Life for the West Texas area. He continued as a state certified appraiser and real estate broker in Lamesa until his retirement at the age of 92.
    He was a long-time member of the First Christian Church and taught the High School Bible Class for over 20 years.
    Hap is preceded in death by his father, Barney Bratcher and mother, Maggie Bratcher; his brothers, B.B. Jr., Glen, Weldon, and sister Betty.
    A graveside service will be held at the Dawson County Cemetery on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. with Minister Mark Hackett officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Branon Funeral Home.
    He married Betty Billingsley in 1947 in Lamesa, Texas. She passed away in 1992 after 45 years of marriage. In 2001 he married Carole Wade Dyer. She passed away in 2012.
    Hap is survived by his son, Andy Bratcher and wife, Camilla of Lubbock; grandchildren, Bodie Bratcher and wife Danielle of Lubbock and children Paisley and Burklee of Lubbock, Cami Bratcher and husband Tom of Lubbock and children, Jack and Madi; stepchildren Vic Dyer of Austin, Steve Dyer of Lubbock, Bret Dyer of Sugarland, and Kecia Dyer Brown of Virginia; and many nieces and nephews.
    The family suggests memorials to Lamesa Church of Christ Library, Dawson County Library or the Lubbock Children’s Home.
    To send condolences online, please visit WWW.branonfuneralhome.com
– Press-Reporter obituary services