Cecil Herbert Braeden, a humble hero, devoted husband, master craftsman, and one of the few humans to ever travel more than three times the speed of sound, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025, at the age of 90 in Anacortes, Washington.

Born on January 16, 1935, in Warsaw, Illinois, Cecil grew up on a small farm. But his life took him around the globe - sometimes at Mach-3. A proud career officer in the United States Air Force, he rose to the rank of Colonel and served as a navigator on the B-47 and the supersonic B-58. But his proudest aviation achievement came in the 1960s when he became the first volunteer for the legendary SR-71 Blackbird. As a Reconnaissance Systems Officer, Cecil flew daring missions over North Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, North Korea, calling it "the best job I ever had." For his extraordinary achievements, he was awarded the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross among many other honors.

After retiring from the Air Force in 1979, Cecil brought his expertise to the private sector, working on advanced radar and navigation systems for Hughes and Boeing. He played a key role in the development of classified systems for the B-1 and B-2 bombers and retired in July 1999. Shortly thereafter, he and his beloved wife, Maureen, fulfilled a lifelong dream by building their home atop Similk Bay in Anacortes.

Cecil was married to Maureen Braeden from 1956 until her passing in 2011, sharing more than five decades of love and partnership. In 2013, he found happiness again when he married Shirley Conforti. Their years together were what he fondly called his "bonus round" - a joyful and fulfilling chapter that brought light and laughter to his later life.

He was a father to five children - Theresa, Cecilia, Patricia and her husband Gian, Mari Ann and her husband Mark, and Robert ("Baub"); grandfather to Justin and his wife Lauren, Domenico, and Alessandro; and great-grandfather to Indiana, Scarlet, Keely, and Charlotte.

In his retirement, Cecil's passion for woodworking took center stage. His handcrafted rocking chairs and furniture were works of art, celebrated in publications and admired by all who had the honor of sitting in them. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, crabbing, boating, hiking, and time spent with family and friends. He was an active member of his church and community, known for his quick wit, quiet wisdom, and generous spirit.

Though his career soared to incredible heights (literally) Cecil remained grounded in the things that mattered most: faith, family, service, and a sense of humor that could light up a room. He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever admired.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of the NW Foundation – 227 Freeway Drive, Suite A, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.

To share memories of Cec please sign the online guest register and bookmark this link to check for updates: www.evanschapel.com/obituary/cec-braeden