Don Bratton Obituary

Don Lee Bratton

September 18, 1933 - July 1, 2025

Don Lee Bratton, age 91, of Keysville, VA, died on July 1, 2025. He is survived by his children David Bratton (Margaret), Richmond, VA; James Bratton (Chrissy), Darlington Heights, VA; and Susan Carson (Mark), Rockville, VA. Don lost his wife (Betty) of sixty-nine years, on January 29, 2024. Natives of Martinsville, VA, Don and Betty grew up together and knew each other their entire lives.

Don was most proud of his children's academic achievements including David (Virginia Military Institute), James (Embry Riddle University), and Susan (Radford University). His grandchildren include James Louis, Matthew Thomas, Angela Marie, Emily Carter, Jessie Virginia; and great grandchildren, Cameron, Jackson, Emma, Allie Sue, McCoy, and Avery.

Don served in the US Air Force as a Navigator, and had duty stations in Texas, California, and the Azores. After his Air Force service, he graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute with a degree, in Industrial Engineering with honors. He had a 30-year career with Armstrong World Industries, including assignments in Lancaster, PA, Pensacola, FL, Kankakee, IL, and Marietta, PA. He was a Plant Manager in Keysville, VA.

During his work career, Don volunteered with many organizations, including Junior Achievement, Boy Scouts, Christmas Parents, and the Methodist Church, including being a member of the Virginia State Senate and Philpott Commission, where he helped to expand US 58 (four lanes) through Southside Virginia.

A service of remembrance will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Browning-Duffer Funeral Home, in Keysville, VA. Burial will be held at a later date in Oakwood Cemetery in Martinsville, VA. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA is in charge of arrangements.