Lewis Brant Barksdale, Sr.

Lewis Brant Barksdale, SR (87) passed away Monday December 11, 2023, after a long illness.

Lewis “Lew” Brant Barksdale, Sr was born in 1936 to Martha and Thomas Barksdale SR.in Charlotte, North Carolina. He attended and graduated from Orangeburg High School in Orangeburg, South Carolina in 1954. He then attended The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina when he met his future wife JoAnn Downs. While attending the Citadel, he became a member of the Prestigious Summerall Guards. He graduated from the Citadel , Class of 1958, and entered the U.S. Army. He continued to Flight School, at Ft. Rucker, Alabama and graduated in 1959. He answered the Military call and did tours in Korea, Vietnam (2), Germany and Iran through his 24 years of service, in which he reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
During his Army career, Lewis had received the Master Army Aviator Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon.
After retiring from the Army in 1982, he, his wife and three children, settled in Yorktown Virginia. Lew went on to do contract work for BDM in Norfolk. Once completely retired, Lewis was a proud member of the Disabled American Veteran. He enjoyed his weekly meetings with his buddies for coffee, conversations and was always excited for the next game of golf.
He leaves behind his wife of 64 years, JoAnn, and his daughter Theresa (James Schroeder). He was blessed with 4 Grandchildren: Branda, Katherine (James,) Michael Jr. (Kaitlynn) and Elaina. Lew also has 7 Great-Grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Lew is preceded in death by his sons Brant and Michael., brother Thomas Jr and sister- in- law Sue.
Funeral arrangements by Amory Funeral Home, Yorktown
Funeral Mass will be held December 20, 2023, at 10 a.m. St. Joan of Arc, Yorktown.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please donate to Saint Joan of Arc, Yorktown, VA.