Lewis Robert Brazeal

Lewis Robert Brazeal, 96, passed away December 20, 2014 in Brenham, Texas. Lewis was born April 29, 1918 in Mansfield, Missouri, to Jessie Ernest and Nora Leota Boyer Brazeal. After attending college for two years, he joined the U.S. Air Force, and then transferred to the Marine Air Corp.

Mr. Brazeals distinguished military service to his country began October 23, 1942. During his career in the military, he served as a captain and pilot of North America B-25 Bomber Squadron 443. At that time, he flew missions against Japanese forces in the Bismark Archipelago Region. Lewis was also stationed in the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific. In 1943, he served as a flight instructor in Cherry Point, North Carolina, and in 1951, he was promoted from captain to the rank of major.

Military accolades included the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal, and two gold stars, presented in lieu of second and third Air Medal commendations.

On May 4, 1943, he married Rena Barbra Barnett in New Bern, North Carolina. Three children were born to this union: daughters Terry Susan Brazeal, and twins Patricia Lynn Chambers and Elizabeth Lee Brazeal. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Rena Barbra Brazeal; his oldest daughter, Teryy Susan Lemming, and younger brother, Clifford Brazeal. Survivors include his twin daughters, Patricia Lynn Chambers and Elizabeth Lee Brazeal; son-in-law Danny Morris Chambers; grandson Clinton Dylan Chambers, of Bellville, Texas.