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 BRAXTON Colonel RICHARD BRAXTON, JR. U.S. Air Force (Retired) November 13, 1940 - December 27, 2015 Richard Jr. was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. His family moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania when he was 11. He graduated from Central High School in June 1958. In 1962, he earned B.S. degree in chemistry from Howard University and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. One year later, he and Joan Smith married and began their life together. He earned a Master''s Degree in Logistics from the Air Force Institute of Technology. Later, he successfully achieved certification as a Certified Professional Logistician (CPL) and was an active member of the International Society of Logistics (SOLE). Colonel Braxton is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mrs. Joan Braxton; two sons and daughters-in-law, Brian and Rosemary and Jeffrey and Kia; three grandsons, Bradley, Michael and Ethan; one granddaughter, Clarke; siblings, Joyce Coley, Barraud Braxton (Cheryl) and Juanona Martinez; as well as five nephews and nieces, Forrest Coley, David Coley (Sharron), Neil Coley, Kendra Braxton, and Dawn Jones (Stephen). He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Sr. and Inza Braxton.
There will be a viewing on January 8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Adams-Green Funeral Home, 721 Elden Street, Herndon, VA. A funeral service will be held at United Christian Parish of Reston, 11508 North Shore Drive, Reston, VA on January 9 at 1 p.m. There will be an interment ceremony at the Arlington National Cemetery on a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration at AFTD, Radnor Station, Bldg 2, Suite 320, 290 King of Prussia Road, Radnor, PA 19087 or online via www.theaftd.org. Online condolences may be made at: www.adamsgreen.com www.adamsgreen.com________________________________________________________________________________
A note from Joan Braxton:
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Clifton B. Harmon
So sorry to hear of the passing of Rich. My condolences to his family. I talked with him briefly about our very good '58 track team at the 50th reunion in 2008. I remembered him as our team captain and the public league high jump champion that year.
Murray Abowitz
Sorry to hear of Rich's passing. He was a man of quiet confidence, a good classmate and a superb athlete. It was a privilege to have been his classmate.
S. Marc Cohen
My thoughts go out to Joan, who lived so long with Richie's slow decline during his last years. I had the privilege of meeting her at our 50th reunion, where she spoke candidly to me and my wife about his illness. Her strength and integrity are impressive. I will always remember Richie's warm smile, his competitive intensity, and his physical grace. He was a great classmate.
John D. Sorrell
I was shocked to learn yesterday that Richard had past. He was a very close childhood friend. We met at Stevens Elementary, and went on to Cooke Junior High and Central. I have fond memories of competing for three years with Richard in track and cross country meets. Richard had the inner strength and mindset to overcome challenges. Richard was also a natural leader. I was not surprised to learn that he rose through the Airforce ranks to Colonel.
Richard …. We will miss you.
Jeffrey B. Schwartz
Richard was a true friend in high school. We ran together on the Central's Cross-Country team for 4 years and I always enjoyed his warm comradery as we trained and competed for Central High.
He was a fine sudent and we shared many classes
I am sorry to hear of his long struggle with illness. I extend my sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Kenneth Tyson
Ritchie set the bar very high for dignity and personal integrity. It's hard not to feel his passing as a profound loss for our necessarily, increasingly fral community, so steadily replaced by poignant memories, Ritchie's being like a bright painful star. Moved by the comments of our classmates, I'm grateful to be able to add my own.Thank you all, and thanks Paul Hirschman for maintaining our forum.
David Stein
Richard was a sweet guy, a real treasure to know. I, like John, also knew him from Stevens and Cooke before Central. I remember his fabulous personality and his fondness for westerns. He used to describe fight scenes in grueling detail. My condolences to his family. He will be greatly missed.
David A. Leff
David LeffI too remember Richard from Cooke and Central. The thing I remember most was his intelligence. He sometimes acted as my non-paid tutor with patience and humor. I knew nothing of his illness and the stress it had to have put on him and his family. My heartfelt condolences.
Carl J. Anton
I, too, have many fond memories if Richie at Cooke and Central.
He was a class act, gitted athlete, and faithful friend.
My best to Joan and all the family.
Carl Anton
Jerome E. Goldberg
I was honored to have had Richard as my friend and Central High School classmate.
Thank you, Joan, for your generous contribution to support the 210th class fund.
He would've liked that.
Jerry Goldberg