Braden Thomas Metheny

Braden Thomas Metheny, 56, of Belvidere passed away Wednesday, August 1, 2018. Born November 14, 1961 in Savannah to Allison and Crystal (Wilson) Metheny. His name came from relatives; his first name coming from his maternal great grandfathers side being named after a boy who passed away in their family and his middle name coming from his maternal grandmothers side. Brad grew up on Weldon Road and attended school in Winnebago. He worked at Quality Metal Finishing in Byron for many years. He married Martha Louise Jones on November 18, 1995. In 2002, Brad became injured with a C-4 spinal cord injury. He used a motorized wheelchair until 2012, with surgeries leaving him bed bound. Brad had progressively gone down hill over the years. On August 1, 2018 his battle was over, the pain was gone. Martha cared for him at home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Martha’s son, Richard and his family were also active in his daily care. Brad’s brother, Roy, also made it a point to stay with Brad when needed, to visit as often as he could to not only give Martha a break but also to just spend time with his brother.

A note from Martha: “Brad was my soul mate. We rode motorcycle together and sometimes that included his brother Roy. Long walks in the park at Severson Dells were his favorite, it is a bird sanctuary. Brad played there before it was our park! Our love has always been a special one. Love him always!”

A note from Roy: “My older brother Brad passed away on Wednesday afternoon, for those of you that did not know he had been ill for a very long time, many years in fact. So, while this is very hard to take in, we can at least take some peace in the fact that he is no longer having to fight through the pain and suffering every day. I would also like to thank Martha, Brad’s wife, for all the years of love, care and resolve she has shown in taking care of Brad at home. A lesser person would have given up a long time ago. He could have not asked for a better wife and partner. Brad was 56 years old would have been 57 this year, he enjoyed and spent time playing Xbox One, watching TV, electric remote-control cars and trucks and oil painting his war hammer figures. Of course, he would love giving anyone a hard time that would sit there and listen to him.”

Survivors include wife, Martha Louise Metheny; step-sons, Lawrence L. Vieau II and his sons, Lawrence and Ariean, Richard L. (Michell) Vieau and their children, Alexandra Louise and Gage Layton and family; son at heart, Steven Slothower and his family; brother-in-law, David L. (Sue Minch) Jones; mother, Crystal Metheny; sister, Laura Metheny; brothers, Roy Metheny, Harley (Brenda) Metheny, Ward (Sabrina) Metheny; uncles, Warren (Marge) Metheny, Phil Benson; niece, Chandra Voss; and nephew, Clayton Metheny. Predeceased by father, Allison Metheny; grandparents, Harley and Marcella Metheny, Roy and Delores Wilson; and aunt, Barb Benson.

A special thanks to our doctor, Dr. Shock, and his wife, Heidi along with his entire staff at Mulford Medical. They have been supportive to Brad and me since 2002. The doctor would see my husband at home when needed and was much more than a doctor over the years, a valued friend. I would also like to thank our home care group, OSF Homecare. We have had many wonderful people help with Brad’s care since 2002. I could not begin to thank them all. The palliative team who have been on board for the last two years have been awesome. Special thanks to Scotia and Val. Also, a special thank you to Richard Johnson who has been visiting with Brad for the last month talking about motorcycles, games and most important of all God. You have become a valued friend in a very short time. Special mention to my phone support team, my first cousin who is more like a sister, Karen Schroeder Gucua; Karol Lillie who is my friend, maid of honor and phone friend; Donna Myers my scrabble, lunch buddie and all around friend; Brenda Metheny sister-in-law, friend, and true sister; Shirley Beneventi Kirkpatrick for many long talks and friendship; Robert Beneventi who kept my truck running and has been my friend since childhood in WV; Brenda Lucas Taylor a friend since freshman year of high school for always being there for me; neighbor Judy who happens to be a nurse and has helped me with Brad as well as friendship and knowledge on Brad’s medical issues.

Memorial visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 11, 2018 in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory–Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Road, Loves Park.

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