Bratcher’s retirement now under construction
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As a construction superintendent for J.D. Mullican Construction, Bratcher has had a hand in scores of projects in the county, including Northgate Shopping Center, and local plants like Century and Oster, along with renovating several local schools like Irving College and the old grammar school, better known as the Blue Building.
Bratcher worked for Mullican for more than 30 years, beginning as a laborer on the local VFW building. He worked up to a supervisory position, and remained at that capacity for many years before moving on to Medical Construction Group, where, as most people in the county know, his most recent project has been the construction of the Warren County Jail expansion.
Bratcher has also overseen some major national projects, including the National Geographic printing and distribution center in Corinth, Miss.
When this tireless worker retired recently after 17 years with Medical Construction Group, the company took Bratcher and wife, Martha Jo, out in a pure-white, stretch limousine to celebrate his service. It was a different situation for someone who has been more conformable in hard hats, work boots and jeans for most of his working life.
Bratcher got involved in the local jail project strictly in an advisory position originally, though MCG eventually bid on and won the contract to construct the addition.
Though at 75, with his age and some health problems beginning to take a toll, Bratcher was determined to see the project to completion.
“I still went on and did my job up until I completed what I wanted,” he said. “And right now the new part of the jail is complete except the electronics.”
Bratcher said he has enjoyed working with the Jail Oversight Committee over the life of the project, both as an advisor and site superintendent.
“I consider them all my friends,” he said. “They’ve treated me good all the way through.”
The respect and esteem is mutual.
“Kenneth was very helpful early on with us,” said Jail Oversight Committee member George Smartt, “because he was able to point out pitfalls and things that the commission would not be knowledgeable of. When he became superintendent he was, I thought, very conscientious and very careful with the county’s money. He made sure we got a very good job out of MCG. He wanted the jail to be something he could be proud of and the county could be proud of. He is a top-flight individual.”
Fellow Jail Oversight Committee member Gary Prater agreed.
“He’s a remarkable person,” Prater said. “I’ve known him all my life. He’s been a great asset to this county, and I’m sure his company is going to miss him.”