Obituary of Richard Benjamin Braxton

Colonel Richard Braxton, Jr., U.S. Air Force (Retired) November 13, 1940 - December 27, 2015 Richard Benjamin Braxton, Jr. departed this world peacefully not long after his 75th birthday. He was a loving, singularly devoted husband of 52 years and an outstanding father. He will be long remembered for his initiative, willingness to embrace any challenge, and his exceptional leadership and communication skills. It is no surprise that he paved a distinguished military career as an Air Force Officer, retiring as full Colonel. Richard Jr. was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. His family moved to Philadelphia when he was eleven years old. One of his fondest memories was returning to Harrisburg during the summers and spending time with his two uncles, Stanley and George Braxton. "Brother", as he was affectionately called by his family, attended middle school and high school in Philadelphia, and graduated from the prestigious Central High School in June 1958. He attended undergraduate school at Howard University. While at Howard University, he met his lovely, future wife, Joan Smith. He earned a B.S. degree in chemistry in August 1962 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. One year later, he and Joan married and began their life together. Richard's service as an Air Force Officer was marked by innovative methods to accomplish various, critical missions and exemplary leadership. In the middle of his air force career he earned a Master's Degree in Logistics at 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). Some of Richard's military decorations include, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Richard retired from active duty in September 1987. He continued to share his expertise as a Logistician in the Washington D.C. area for nearly 20 years after his retirement. He ultimately retired from Jacobs Sverdrup Technology in July 2006. Anyone who was acquainted with Richard knew of the love he had for his family and his love for cars, Penn State football, and the Penn Relays. Richard was an active member of the United Christian Parish of Reston and loved to serve in the church. He was an elder, board member, trustee, and usher. In 2002 he chaired the new minister search committee. 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 8th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 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 9th at 1:00 p.m. A reception will follow. There will be an interment ceremony to honor Colonel Richard Braxton with the highest military distinction 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.