Edward "Ed" Paul Brace

Edward “Ed” Brace, 83, of Neihart, MT passed away quietly on Saturday Oct. 14, 2023, after a long, painful season of numerous health issues.

Ed was born on Oct. 7, 1940, in Waterford, PA to Ralph Henry and Bonnie (Green) Brace. He graduated from Academy High School in Erie, PA and soon after entered the Army where he served for 3+ years. After leaving the Army, he moved back to Erie with his wife, Lorie and young daughter, Diana and went to work at General Electric. Dissatisfied with the pending strike at GE, he decided to return to military service, this time joining the Air Force. He served 9+ years at Malmstrom AFB in Great Falls with many assignments throughout the US, as well as, overseas for a total of 20+ years. He eventually went through AF schooling to become a very proficient and innovative in computer programming. He wrote many programs, some of which may still be in use today at Malmstrom.  Although he never served in an active war, he received recommendations for promotions and many letters of commendation for his work in keeping the computer system necessary for our air defense missiles problem-free. He believed in doing his job to the very best of his ability to benefit the Air Force as well as our country in keeping us safe.

Ed was an avid reader – anything from sci-fi to political issues – but his most favorite was his Bible which he read from Genesis through Revelation yearly with a rare miss. He did not read it just to read it, but to learn how to live by it. His relationship with Jesus Christ grew deeper over the years. He knew he was going to spend eternity with his Savior and was burdened for others, family, and friends alike. He prayed constantly for their salvation, right up to the day before Jesus took him home. He was also a huge John Wayne fan, loved western movies, watched Fox News and church services on TV. When it came to politics, he had strong, uncompromising views on many issues.

On Dec. 17, 2005, Ed married his friend from childhood, Betty Carter Johnson. They spent 17+ years here in Neihart, years that God blessed and used for their growth in Him together. Ed was a man who helped all who had a need, whether building something, taking them to Great Falls for doctor appointments, or helping get their wood supply for winter. He ran the Neihart Water Plant for a few years and wrote programs to increase its efficiency. He also served on the Town Council at one point.

Ed was preceded in death by his first wife, Lorie; his parents, Ralph and Bonnie Brace; a son, Steven; 2 sisters, and 1 brother. He is survived by his wife, Betty; 2 children, Diana Brace and Robert Brace; 6 stepchildren; 19 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; a sister, Helen Bennett; and a brother, James Brace.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, at First Alliance Church, 908 47th St S, in Great Falls. It will be live streamed for viewing on the internet. Burial will take place at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Alliance Church or a charity of choice.