William Austin Braddock

Braddock, William Austin 95 yrs, on January 8, 2013. Born Washington DC, April 11, 1917. Preceded by parents, George Harrison Braddock and Lula Lillard Braddock, brothers George Harrison, Jr. and Robert Lillard Braddock. World War II veteran, stationed in England where he flew 30 missions in B24 bombers as a radio operator, and was awarded Distinguished Flying Cross for valor as well as the Bronze Star for designing a radio bomb release enabling a whole squadron to drop all their bombs at once, yielding a more accurate drop. Authored "Twentieth Century Crusaders", a book of remembrances of his unit members. University of Minnesota, BEE(1941) and JD(1949). Member: Minneapolis Engineers Club, Minnesota Intellectual Property Law Association, Minneapolis Citizens Council, Sons of the American Revolution. He was a lifelong volunteer. Cheerleader for Washburn High School and the University of Minnesota, Boy Scout usher and volunteer usher at UofM football and basketball games for nearly 75 years. At the October 10, 2009 homecoming game at TCF Bank Stadium, he was honored by the University for his Spirit Squad service. American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (1939-2004), teaching children and adults swimming and lifesaving; including four generations of one family. Boy Scout member and leader for over 80 years: troop, ship and pack leader, and other positions in the District and Viking Council. Eagle Scout and Silver Beaver service award. Leader of the Minneapolis Boy Scout Drum and Bugle Corps, which played across the region and marched in the Aquatennial Parades. Patent Attorney (1949 - 1990), Minnesota Inventors Congress beginning in 1958. After retirement, he and his wife traveled extensively in the US and to China and Russia, then divided their time between Edinburg, TX and Mpls returning full-time to Minnesota in 2011. Throughout, he maintained a high standard of ethics and hard work, and was rewarded by his personal feeling of a life well lived. Survived by his wife, Margaret; five children from his first marriage: Carol Thoreen, Susan Mundahl, David (Cheryl) Braddock, Laura (Chris Oyloe) James and William II, and step- children, Carol, Ann and Frank (Mickey) Dosse, 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, niece, Nancee Braddock, nephew, Robert Braddock and their families. His last service was to donate his body to the University of Minnesota. Donations preferred to Westminster Presbyterian Church Camp Ajawah Campership Fund.