A priest for 46 years, Father John A. Brath, 76, died Wednesday, June 25, at his home in Ozark, Missouri. Father Brath was born April 8, 1938, in Campbellsport, Wi. He was preceded in death by his father, George Brath; his mother, Frances (Fleischman) Brath; his sister Anna Mae Brath and his brother-in-law Harlu Keller. He is survived by four brothers; Donald (Dorothy) Brath, Karl (Marilyn) Brath, Allen (Jane) Brath, Ken Brath, and two sisters, Janet (Robert) Melzer and Karen Keller. A young John Brath had joined the Air Force shortly after high school and worked as a chaplain's assistant. During that tour of duty, he met a Father O'Brien from St. Louis who introduced him to Bishop Charles Helmsing, the first bishop of the newly formed Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Bishop Helmsing convinced the young Brath to go to the seminary and become a priest for the Diocese, even though Brath had never been to southern Missouri. He attended Conception Abbey and Seminary in Conception, Missouri. Fr. Brath was ordained a priest on May 25, 1968, in the Cathedral of St. Raymond, Joliet, Il. He served as a Catholic chaplain in the US Air Force from 1971-1974, earning the rank of Captain and was awarded the commendation medal of First Oak Leaf Cluster for his meritorious service. Thru his life, Fr. Brath served as Pastor at many parishes in Missouri. He was also Diocesan Moderator for the Council of Catholic Women and President and member of the Priests Senate. A concelebrated Mass of Resurrection was held Tuesday, July 1st at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Ozark, Missouri. Burial took place in The Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield. Twohig Funeral Home, Campbellsport, is serving the family with online guestbook and condolences are at www.twohigfunerals.com.
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