Howard George Braton Jr.

Howard was born on March 16, 1948 in Oak Park Illinois and moved to Colorado in 1978. He told people often that the stork made a wrong turn because he should have been born in Colorado.

Howard died on January 25, 2022 in Colorado Springs, Colorado after surviving 2 ruptured aneurysm surgeries and 72 days, mostly in ICUs. Howard gave up his amazing fight.

Howard graduated from ElmHurst High School, Elmhurst Illinois in 1966. He began his Army career just after his college graduation in 1970, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Engineering. He retired as Sergeant Major with 31 years 6 months from Army Reserves 2 days before 9/11/2001. His position in the Army included aviation.

Howard began a career in the insurance field in 1978 and worked as an insurance claims investigator until his death. His favorite position working in this field was as an independent working with a Dear Friend for the last 20 plus years.

Some of his favorite pastimes include sitting on the deck with Sadie Pup watching deer, cattle and whatever else roamed by. Hiking with his loving wife, Leah and Sadie Pup on the Braton Ranch, hunting and fishing, competitive shooting with mostly antique or unique rifles. Howard holds many national and Colorado shooting titles with the NRA. Howard always loved a good meaningful conversation. He was a man of many words and most of those words involved lots of humor.

Howard married Leah Travis-Walker August 28, 2005 after many years of dating. They began the quest for a ranch they could call home before they were married. This dream of theirs was realized on August 19, 2019. Howard was able to enjoy the Braton Ranch home for 11 months before his passing. He thanked the Good Lord each and every morning for this dream.

Howard did not have any biological children, however if he was fond of you, you held a place in his heart and he told you so.

Howard had a knack for making you want to be a better person when you were with him. He was such a good teacher and had a great ear for listening.

Howard is survived by his wife, Leah, cousin, Richard Heaney, step son, Michael Walker, step daughter Joey Walker, granddaughters Nicole Gray, Brianna Bartlett, Mikayla Walker, Brittney Walker and great granddaughter and great buddy, Abby Girl Gray, many nieces and nephews.

Howard was preceded in death by his Mother, Arlene Puttkammer, Father, Howard George Braton Sr., Aunt Joyce Braton-Heaney and Uncle Clarence Heaney.

A celebration of Howard’s life will be at 9:30 am February 25, 2022 at the Black Forest Chapel, 14190 Black Forest Road, Black Forest, CO 80908, immediately following there will be a burial service at Pikes Peak National Cemetery 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, Co 80925, with full Military Honors.

Carpooling to the cemetery is encouraged as a meal will follow the burial service at Black Forest Chapel organized by the High Prairie Quilters, Elbert County Cattlewomen and Elbert County Farm Bureau.