Delmar Branson, 79, Belle, was greeted by his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Oct. 6, undoubtedly hearing, “Well done, my good and faithful servant” while being surrounded by his dearly loved family.
He was born on May 18, 1947, the oldest child to the late Glenn and Esther (Juedemann) Branson in Bland.
His childhood was filled with all kinds of adventures with his sister, Sharon and numerous neighbors and family members.
Delmar was a member of the Bland High School Class of 1965 and loved to reminisce about his time in that building when he attended events there. After high school, he moved to St. Louis where he enjoyed his years in the city and would continually surprise his family with stories from this chapter of his life.
Delmar was united in marriage to his forever sweetheart, Belinda on April 18, 1969, in a simple courthouse ceremony.
Over the years, Delmar worked in many different jobs, but he is best remembered for his time at Bull Moose Tube in Gerald, where he worked for over 35 years. He began his career there as a draftsman and continued to hold other leadership roles within the company. During his tenure there, he was provided the opportunity to take classes at East Central College, where he earned numerous associate’s degrees, which allowed him the ability to truly become a jack of all trades. He took great pride in a job well done, and his attention to detail and precision were impeccable.
Delmar cared deeply for the things that mattered most to him, and his relationship with Jesus is something he would never hesitate to speak about. He grew up in church, but it wasn’t until his adult years that he truly gave his life to Jesus, and once he did, he never turned back. With Belinda by his side, he served faithfully in the churches he attended until the very end. He used his retirement years to serve in the church and didn’t let his physical limitations keep him from using the skills God blessed him with to serve well. He would quickly shy away from any recognition for serving, but there were many projects over the years that were completed because of his dedication and leadership.
Delmar never met a stranger, and if he did, by the time he had finished talking with them, they would have found a way they were connected. He was an amazing example of loving others and did his best to instill that in his children and grandchildren. He had a joke for every occasion, a smile that comforted any and every heart, and never seemed to be at a loss for just the right thing to say to bring wisdom and guidance. He was a solid rock to those who knew him best, but that was because he had built his life on the Solid Rock, Jesus.
Delmar was preceded in death by sweetheart and wife, Belinda; a sweet baby who never saw this side of Earth, but was waiting anxiously to be reunited in heaven; parents, Glenn and Esther; sister, Sharon Howard; and beloved grandson, Trevor Branson.
He is survived by children, Dale Branson and wife Angela of Rolla, Susanne Eoff and husband Derek of Jefferson City and Amber Hendrix and husband Jeff of Belle; grandchildren, Blake and Tanner Branson, Abby Payne, Kristofer and Kolton Eoff and Spurling and Espyn Hendrix; four great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Jim Howard; and sister-in-law, Alvina Dittman.
Visitation will be held at 9 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 17, followed by the funeral services at 11 a.m. and a Celebration of Life with a time of fellowship immediately following, all at Faith Baptist Church in Belle.
A private family burial will take place at a later time.
Memorial contributions suggested to Faith Baptist Church’s Vacation Bible School and Children’s Ministry Funds.
Arrangements entrusted to Sassmann’s Chapel in Belle.
