Richard (Dick) Arthur Braun, 76, of Lake Placid formally of Punta Gorda, FL passed away on Monday, December 9, 2024, at home with his wife. Dick was born on November 4, 1948, in Fort Wayne, Indiana and was the son of the late Jack Braun and Marilyn (Miller). He was preceded by his late son David. He was a Vietnam war era U.S. Air Force Veteran. He worked several years at Jack Braun Ford, Warren, In and Magnavox G&I in Ft. Wayne, In.  He went on to  Classic Car Center in Warsaw, in where he sold antique and collectible cars. He retired to Florida and owned two businesses. He was known for his extensive knowledge and collection of the Zebco closed faced reels. He was called "That Zebco Guy". Dick could be found at many local and National fishing and tackle shows. He was a member of the FATC, NFLCC, and ORCA organizations. He was also a member of the American Legion and a lifetime member of the Vietnam Veterans of America. Through Zebco, he always enjoyed passing out fishing products like hats, tackle boxes and many other fishing related items to the children that came to the tackle shows. Dick also enjoyed collecting fishing lures and eclectic vintage rods and reels to add to his collection. He was also known for being a great storyteller. He had a story for almost every moment of his life's adventures. He enjoyed hunting and looked forward to deer season every year. He loved to be with his family and friends any time they could get together. Dick never knew a stranger. He is survived by the love of his life since childhood, Sherrill, four children, Kirk Braun (Kim), Brian Waikel (Kim), Brent Waikel (Jen), and Becky Wells (Kenny). He is also survived by his sister Dana Bearden (John) of Nashville, TN and sister-in-law Michele Hartzell (Jack); Eleven grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Punta Gorda as well as in Indiana. His was a life well lived, and he said he was so proud of all of his children and didn't have any regrets. He will always be remembered for the beautiful man he was. He will be missed!