David Traxler Sr.

Brigadier General David Lee Traxler, Sr.

Jackson

David Lee Traxler, Sr. passed away on April 13th, 2015 at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, MS. Visitation will be from 9-11 am, Wednesday, April 15th, with a service following at 11:00 am at Christ United Methodist Church, Jackson, MS. The burial will be at Parkway Cemetery in Ridgeland, MS.

General Traxler was employed as a full time employee and soldier of the Mississippi Army National Guard from August 1955 to August 1990. He enlisted in the Headquarters, 136th Transportation Group, Mississippi National Guard in March 1953 obtaining the rank of Master Sergeant E-8. He was later commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in August 1960 after graduating from the Mississippi Military Academy. During his career as an officer in the Mississippi Army National Guard he held many important positions of responsibility and leadership in various locations throughout the state. He served as the Headquarters Detachment Commander, 112th Military Police Battalion, Company Commander of Company B, 3rd Battalion, 155th infantry, S-3 Operations (Air) of 3rd Battalion, 155th Infantry, Assistant Military Support To Civil Defense Officer, Headquarters & Headquarters Detachment, Mississippi Army National Guard (now designated as Joint Force Headquarters, Mississippi National Guard), Battalion Commander, 1st Battalion, 155th infantry, Chief Training Officer, Headquarters, State Area Command, MSARNG, and retiring as Deputy, Chief of Staff, Operations and Training for the Mississippi Army National Guard. General Traxler also served on the Advisory Council to the National Guard Bureau in Washington, DC.

Decorations and awards General Traxler received during his service include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Award, Army Service Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal (3 awards). General Traxler also received many state awards which include the Mississippi Magnolia Medal and the Magnolia Cross.

General Traxler was born September 19, 1934 in Polkville, MS, to David Homer Traxler and Lola Traxler Crosby.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Alice Smith Traxler; son, David Lee Traxler, Jr. (Dana), daughter, Selena Dawn Thomas (Elliott) all of Jackson, MS. Grandchildren are Mary Kathryn Thomas Allen (Bo) of Jackson, MS, David Lee Traxler III of Atlanta, GA, Elizabeth Thomas Bowers (Chris) of Shreveport, LA, Mary Brook Traxler Ewing (TC) of Charlotte, NC, and Elliott Frank Thomas III of Jackson, MS; brother, Ernest H. Traxler (Mary Nell) of Polkville, MS; great granddaughter, Emmett Elizabeth Allen of Jackson, MS, and several nieces and nephews.

General Traxler was a member of Christ United Methodist Church and the Friendship Sunday School Class. He was a member of the Oak Forest Exchange Club for 30 years and held numerous officer positions including President and Vice President.

Memorials may be made to Christ United Methodist Church Building Fund, 6000 Old Canton Road, Jackson, MS. 39211.