Our Staff
Our Caring Staff
Behind every service we plan is a team of dedicated professionals who treat your family as their own. We are here to handle every detail with care and grace, ensuring you have the supportive space you need to remember and heal.
Jerry L. Braden
Owner/Funeral Director
Born in Titusville, PA, Jerry is a 2012 graduate of Titusville Area High School. For two years, he studied Human Services at the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville. During high school and college, he worked as an assistant at Leo N. Hennes Funeral Home and later at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home in Titusville. Jerry graduated from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in September 2015 with an Associate’s degree in Funeral Service Arts & Science. He completed his internship with Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home in October 2016 before moving to Erie to begin his funeral directing career at Russell C. Schmidt and Son Funeral Home, Inc. for 10 years.
He is a member of Erie/Crawford County Funeral Directors Association in which he also served as President in 2022 and also a member of Pennsylvania Funeral Director Association. Jerry actively supports and volunteers in many ways in his community of Wesleyville, such as serving as Council Member, President of Community Engagement, and on the Wesleyville Community Day Committee.
Jerry married Rachael Arce on July 31, 2021, and has a daughter, Callie Braden, born in November 2024.
Jerry is a big fan of music, including his favorite band, Bon Jovi, and loves spending time with his family, friends, and community.
In October 2026, Jerry purchased Askins Cremation Funeral Services and is committed to serving families and the community with the utmost care and compassion.
Jerry L. Braden
Owner/Funeral Director
Born in Titusville, PA, Jerry is a 2012 graduate of Titusville Area High School. For two years, he studied Human Services at the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville. During high school and college, he worked as an assistant at Leo N. Hennes Funeral Home and later at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home in Titusville. Jerry graduated from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in September 2015 with an Associate’s degree in Funeral Service Arts & Science. He completed his internship with Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home in October 2016 before moving to Erie to begin his funeral directing career at Russell C. Schmidt and Son Funeral Home, Inc. for 10 years.
He is a member of Erie/Crawford County Funeral Directors Association in which he also served as President in 2022 and also a member of Pennsylvania Funeral Director Association. Jerry actively supports and volunteers in many ways in his community of Wesleyville, such as serving as Council Member, President of Community Engagement, and on the Wesleyville Community Day Committee.
Jerry married Rachael Arce on July 31, 2021, and has a daughter, Callie Braden, born in November 2024.
Jerry is a big fan of music, including his favorite band, Bon Jovi, and loves spending time with his family, friends, and community.
In October 2026, Jerry purchased Askins Cremation Funeral Services and is committed to serving families and the community with the utmost care and compassion.
Christopher B. Askins
Previous Owner and Funeral Director
Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, and graduating from Iroquois High School in 1982, I attended the University of Pennsylvania, Behrend, before enrolling at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. Graduating from P.I.M.S. in 1987, I became a Pennsylvania-licensed funeral director in 1988. Since then, I have worked at funeral homes in Venango County, PA.
In my spare time, I am active with several children's charity organizations and community events as Darth Vader from Star Wars. You may have seen me and my colleagues from the 501st Legion at events in and around Erie, such as attending Seawolves and Bayhawk games, marching in the annual Erie Zoo Parade, participating at ZooBoo, or at various other community and charitable events. I have found that my involvement in these activities is a great way to express my passion and commitment to the community and help make a positive change. Another way I wish to extend a helping hand is through my professional career.
Recently, I have observed changes in the funeral industry that are focused more on cremation services. Whether this is due to changing personal beliefs or social, economic, or financial situations, there is an evident need for personal and inexpensive choices in funeral care for individuals and their loved ones.
At Braden-Askins Cremation and Funeral Services, LLC, I provide individual services based on your personal needs and offer you a variety of choices in honoring and celebrating the life of your loved one. At Braden-Askins Cremation and Funeral Services, LLC, you can expect to be treated with the utmost care, compassion, and professionalism in your time of need.
Christopher B. Askins
Previous Owner and Funeral Director
Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, and graduating from Iroquois High School in 1982, I attended the University of Pennsylvania, Behrend, before enrolling at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. Graduating from P.I.M.S. in 1987, I became a Pennsylvania-licensed funeral director in 1988. Since then, I have worked at funeral homes in Venango County, PA.
In my spare time, I am active with several children's charity organizations and community events as Darth Vader from Star Wars. You may have seen me and my colleagues from the 501st Legion at events in and around Erie, such as attending Seawolves and Bayhawk games, marching in the annual Erie Zoo Parade, participating at ZooBoo, or at various other community and charitable events. I have found that my involvement in these activities is a great way to express my passion and commitment to the community and help make a positive change. Another way I wish to extend a helping hand is through my professional career.
Recently, I have observed changes in the funeral industry that are focused more on cremation services. Whether this is due to changing personal beliefs or social, economic, or financial situations, there is an evident need for personal and inexpensive choices in funeral care for individuals and their loved ones.
At Braden-Askins Cremation and Funeral Services, LLC, I provide individual services based on your personal needs and offer you a variety of choices in honoring and celebrating the life of your loved one. At Braden-Askins Cremation and Funeral Services, LLC, you can expect to be treated with the utmost care, compassion, and professionalism in your time of need.
