Master Sergeant Leroy Bratcher

Apr 1, 1934 -

Nov 18, 2023

Anchorage, Alaska, resident Leroy Bratcher, 89, died peacefully from natural causes, family and friends by his side at Campbell Creek house, in Anchorage.

He was born to Roy and Marion Bratcher in Prentice County outside of Beaverdam, Ky., one of six boys and four girls. At the age of 6, they moved to Clinton, Ind., where his family found their final residence. Lee joined the Air Force at 17, and started his career in the military. He was stationed in South Korea for a year and a half, then came back to Clinton, where he married his wife, Shirley Joyce Minett. He was first stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., where Lee and Shirley started their family with their daughter Donnetta, and then their son Roger. Lee was then stationed in Kirkland Air Force Base, N.M. Lee and family then transferred to Tachikawa Air Force Base, Japan, and welcomed the newest member of their family, Anndrea Joy. The Bratchers traveled to Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, then Arizona to Luke Air Force Base, and his final tour at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., with the presidential squadron Air Force One. Lee was proud of his achievements. He retired from the military in 1968. Lee came to Alaska to visit a military friend and participate in hunting, fishing and flying.

Returning to Maryland, he decided to load up the family in their Buick La Saber with a 14-foot camper on the back. One month later, they were in Delta Junction, Alaska, where he worked construction for the United States government for six months. Shirley obtained her degree in early childhood development. In Anchorage, while Lee was working in Delta, she also worked at the Spenard Kiddy Drop daycare center and, in 1972, got the chance to buy the business from the owners, which was a dream come true for her. During this time, Lee got his pilot's license. Lee and Shirley ran the business for 35 years. They were a legacy in daycare for thousands of children who got three meals a day and left the daycare center with big smiles on their faces. After selling the daycare center in 2007, Lee and Shirley retired. Lee loved flying - if he wasn't helping his family or doing something around the house, we were flying. There's not a dirt strip in Alaska we didn't land at. He loved his family and loved to fly. He loved Alaska. He will be deeply missed by his family and many friends. Lee is survived by his daughter, Donnetta Lee Panichello with husband Frank; son, Roger Bratcher; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lee requested that no funeral service be held, but a celebration of life be held in spring 2024 for him and Shirley.