* Everett C. Braun; School Superintendent

Everett Charles Braun, a former school superintendent and an active community volunteer, died Friday morning in Moorpark after a lengthy illness. He was 85.

Braun was born on June 22, 1915 in Chicago, and moved with his parents to Inglewood when he was about 8 years old.

He received a bachelor’s degree at UCLA and went on to receive a master’s and doctorate degree in education from USC.

In 1939 he started teaching in Inglewood. Five years later he became a counselor and vice principal at San Luis Obispo Junior High School, and from 1948 to 1956 he was the principal of Oxnard High School.

In 1956, Braun became the superintendent of the Moorpark Memorial Union High School District. Moorpark High was the first high school in eastern Ventura County, and before it was completed, classes were held in a small house in town. In 1981, the high school joined the Moorpark Unified School District.

When Braun retired in 1976 he received commendations from the California Senate and Assembly and was also presented with a pewter plate that had a tile inset from the House of Representatives.

After his retirement, he opened Braun Realty in Moorpark, operating it from 1977 until 1984.

He was twice named Moorpark’s honorary mayor. He was also a founder and president of the Moorpark Historical Society, president and board member of the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club, and president of the Moorpark Senior Citizens. He was named Moorpark’s Outstanding Citizen in 1975 and with his wife, Madaline , received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chamber of Commerce.

He was the coauthor of the books “Let’s Broadcast” and “The History of Moorpark’s Senior Citizens, 1973-1998.”

Braun and his wife enjoyed their retirement at a beach home just north of Ensenada, Mexico. He particularly liked ocean fishing there. The couple also traveled throughout the United States, Europe and the South Seas.

In addition to his wife of 40 years, he is survived by son Robert Braun of Laguna Beach; daughter Barbara Soots of Lexington, N.C.; stepsons Michael Bisson of Montreal and Peter Bisson of Olympia, Wash.; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A graveside service for family members will be held on Wednesday at Pierce Bros. Valley Oaks Memorial Park in Westlake Village.

A memorial service is scheduled at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Moorpark United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Moorpark Historical Society or to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Pierce Bros. Valley Oaks Mortuary in Westlake Village.