Kenneth Avery Branch, Sr. left this earthly realm on May 5th, 2020 surrounded by family and his loyal companion, Buddy the Dachshund.
Kenneth was born in 1934 to Fannie Swatsell and James Avery Jackson Branch in McKinney, Texas. He joined the United States Army in 1957. After fulfilling his term in the Army, he served an additional 10 years in the United States Air Force Reserves. Kenneth’s service to his country was a tremendous source of pride throughout his life.
Kenneth married Wilma Ruth Sartain in 1959. He was widowed last year when his devoted wife of 60 years passed away. He and Wilma had 3 children; daughters, Debby Branch (deceased), Deanna Branch Atkinson and son, Kenneth Branch, Jr.
Kenneth worked for International Harvester and continued selling farm equipment and later, road machinery, throughout his life. Mechanically gifted, he also owned and operated Branch Service & Supply Company in McKinney, Texas. In 1976, Kenneth’s vocation moved the family to Enid, Oklahoma. Upon retirement, he and Wilma moved to the neighboring community of Garber, Oklahoma where he remained until his death.
As a young boy, Kenneth was baptized at Foote Baptist Church in McKinney, Texas. He had a personal relationship with God throughout his life. During the late 1980s, he studied religion courses at Phillips University, Enid, Oklahoma. In 1990, he received a license to preach and often served as a volunteer preacher in his local community.
Never one to be idle, Kenneth formed the Sonshine Gospel Singing Group while in his 80s. He organized live music events throughout Northwest Oklahoma. Local singers and musicians volunteered their talents and served as an inspiration to audiences for several years. Kenneth considered the performers among some of his dearest and most treasured friends.
Kenneth is survived by his daughter, Deanna Atkinson and her husband, Garry of Edmond, Oklahoma and their three children, Lucas, Emily and Raymond; son, Kenneth Branch, Jr. and his wife, Melody of San Antonio, Texas and their children, Aaron, Noah (deceased), Isaiah and Jacob.
In support of our local, state, and federal govt including CDC directives and to protect the physical health, safety and well-being of our community, the following are Ridgeview Memorial Parks guidelines. All are invited to attend the Graveside Service, by standing at a minimum distance of 20 feet from the tent and 6 feet apart from one another to comply with social distancing directives or you may remain in your vehicle. You will be able to listen to the service through speakers set up at the gravesite.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 11, 2020 at Ridgeview Memorial Park, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.
Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories and expressions of sympathy on Kenneth’s obituary page at the TJMfuneral.com.
Youtube link to service https://youtu.be/T-Ebmw2CfBE