Chester V. Braun

Chester V. Braun, of, Osprey, FL, and formerly of New Jersey, passed away on June 8, 2015. He was a wonderful husband and devoted father and grandfather. One son, Gary, predeceased Chester. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Braun, son C.V. Braun, Jr., daughter in law Martha and granddaughters Lea and Alexandra. With WWII in progress ""Chet"" graduated from West Point and received training as Army-Air Force pilot. While serving he helped map Korea in the Reconnaissance Squadron. After leaving the service he became a test pilot for Republic Aviation and later for McDonnell Aircraft which later became McDonnell-Douglas and then Boeing. While at McDonnell he worked his way up from test pilot of early models of jet aircraft to Vice President and General Manager of modern jet fighters such as the F4 Phantom and F15 Eagle. Chet encouraged his wife and two sons to all earn their pilot's licenses and both sons joined him as employees of McDonnell-Douglas for a time. Chet retired from industry to Florida where he earned a ships Master's License and enjoyed boating, tennis, and dressage. He achieved excellence in the Florida equestrian world by winning many awards with this thoroughbred ""Prince"" Secret Ice, grandson to the Triple Crown champion Secretariat. Chet is sorely missed by family and friends by has left an invaluable legacy of love, dedication, industriousness and high ethical standards to his children and grandchildren. A remembrance service will be held at a later date. Farley Funeral Home, Venice, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Nature Conservancy, the West Point Society, or the Venice Florida Presbyterian Church.