Obituary: Joe L. Braxton

Joe L. Braxton, 85, passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve 2018 with his family at his bedside. His death occurred at Surprise Memory Care in Surprise, Arizona, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Joe was born in Shamrock, Texas, on March 11, 1933, to Elster J. and Ola (Mckee) Braxton.

As a young boy the family relocated to Pasadena, California, where he attended Pasadena public schools. Upon graduation from high school he attended the University of California at Santa Barbara, where he earned his BA degree. In 1957, he then joined the U.S. Navy and served in San Diego, California. He was a communication specialist until 1962, when he was honorably discharged. Joe then went on to earn his Master of Arts degree from Azusa Pacific University.

He began his teaching in the Pasadena School District. He was a dedicated teacher and mentor to numerous students. He remained with the district throughout his teaching and coaching career until his retirement in 1994.

He married the love of his life, Dorothy Engle, in 1970. They raised their son, Jeff, while living in Arcadia, California. He loved his family and his life in California. Upon his retirement, he and Dorothy moved to Prescott, Arizona, and then in 2016, they moved to Sun City West, Arizona.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy; their son, Jeff and his wife Erika and a step-daughter, Julie Wilson. He was the proud grandfather to Denise, Nathan and Laurel Braxton, as well as his step-grandchildren, Gabriel Fierro and Harrison and Christian Wilson.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Milton and Clinton Braxton.

Per his wishes, Joe was cremated and services and military honors are planned for Feb. 7, 2019, at the National Cemetery in Riverside, California. If friends wish, they may extend condolences through www.NeptuneSociety.com (Free Resources/Obituaries and enter Joe’s name) or directly to the family at 623-214-0340.

Information provided by survivors.