Richard Brainard

Richard Lewis Brainard, 87, of Red Oak, TX, passed away on October 28th, 2015 after a short illness; his loving family was by his side. Richard was born on October 12, 1928 in Chicago. Illinois. Richard was a part of the original U.S. space program in the late 1950's and 1960's through his work as an Electrical Engineer for General Electric on the missile guidance systems of the Mercury Redstone, Mercury Atlas Agena, Gemini Titan and the Apollo Saturn 1B/Saturn V programs at Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center, Florida and helped put the first men on the Moon. His remaining career was oriented to the power industry for Alabama Power at two locations in Alabama. He also volunteered as an Asst. Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 369 in Merritt Island, Florida and had service in the U.S. Navy including during the Korean War on the aircraft carrier, USS Leyte. Richard was an engineering graduate of Chicago Institute of Technology. Richard is survived by his wife, Martha J. Brainard; by his children Richard R. Brainard of Houston, TX, Cindy M. Lacey of Yakima, WA, Richard L. Myhan of Lafayette, LA and Jacqueline M. Marcus of Waxahachie, TX; as well as 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; his sibling Natalie A. Senecal of Panama City, FL and several nieces and nephew. Richard is also preceded in death by wife Janet E. Brainard; parents Beatrice N. Fralich, Raymond C. Brainard and Henry E. Fralich and children, David K. Brainard and Rebecca S. Shubrook. Private graveside services will be held at Florida Memorial Gardens in Rockledge, FL on Friday, November 20, 2015. Flowers may be sent to Beckman-Williamson Funeral Homes & Crematory also in Rockledge, Florida. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to your local chapter of the Boy Scouts of America, an organization dear to Richard at website is www.scoutingfriends.org.