Retired Lt. Gen. Arnold Webb Braswell passed away March 15, 2022, in Leesburg, Virginia. He was born Oct. 3, 1925, in Minden, Louisiana, to Claiborne and Marguerite (née Walter) Braswell. Arnold grew up on the family farm, attended elementary school in Sibley and high school in Minden, graduating in the Class of 1942.
Arnold attended LSU for two years before entering West Point in 1944. Upon graduation in 1948, he chose to be commissioned in the U.S Air Force, which had been established as a separate military service in September, 1947. He made another wise choice when, two weeks after graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Ione Davis, whom he met in the eighth grade at Minden High. They were married for 73 years and Ione was the ideal partner for Arnold. Her infectious personality, wit, humor and caring attitude endeared her to everyone, and her wise counsel helped him many times. She was truly "the wind beneath his wings."
Arnold had a long and distinguished military career serving in both Korea and Vietnam. He retired from the Air Force as a three-star general, after serving as Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Air Forces at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.
Upon retirement in 1983, Arnold and Ione returned to the Washington area, where they had many good friends. Four months after their arrival, he was appointed as the President and Chief Staff Executive of the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), the national association of the manufacturers of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. He retired from ARI in 1994. He and Ione moved to Falcons Landing Retirement Community in 2009.
Arnold loved to hunt, fish and play tennis. After his final retirement, he and Ione spent most summers in Victoria, British Columbia with daughter, Sally, where he enjoyed salmon fishing, playing tennis at the Oak Bay Tennis Club and spending time with his family.
Arnold was renowned for his beautiful speaking and singing voice. After retirement, he was actively involved in the Mount Olivet United Methodist Church choir and later in the Falcons Landing chapel choir. He delighted residents at Falcons Landing performing many solos, including a lead in South Pacific.
Arnold had a long and distinguished career; he loved his country and served it honorably. Above all, he was devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife, Ione; son, Jefferson (Machiko) Braswell; daughter, Sally (Eric) Murphy; three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, sister, Judianne Myers, and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his younger brothers, Lloyd and Donald. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, July 21, 2022. For condolences, please visit Colonial Funeral Homes of Leesburg.