Howard Dale Branson

Howard Branson born March 23,1916, left us to be with The Lord January 1, 2010. Born in Rupert Idaho to Frank Ambrose and Mary Stanley Branson. Upon starting a family Frank and Mary relocated to Long Beach where they lived for many years. After graduating from trade school Howard worked the oil fields in Long Beach and Bakersfield CA. He served in the military in the early 40s and was stationed in Ireland but never saw combat. A precision machinist by trade worked most of his life prior to retirement in the So. CA area. He built and owned his own machine shop in El Segundo CA where under contract with Douglas corporation machined parts for military and commercial aircraft. Upon retiring in 1969 he with his 4th wife Jeanette who preceded him in death, relocated to Grants Pass OR where he spent the busiest time of his life. After Jeanette’s passing he met and married Dorothea in 1974. He worked off and on at the mill and as a maintenance mechanic and fabricator for a trucking firm as well as assisting friends and family with what ever he could. A man who never stopped giving of himself to help others, Generous to the point of doing without him-self family was his main objective. He had a love for fishing and he would travel with his wife Dorothea to the coast where they would fish for salmon can their catch and share with the family. He was a believer in Jesus Christ and a member of LDS church for many years where he worked in the genealogy library and did the night inspection lock up. He blessed, ordained and baptized several of his grandchildren. He fabricated a part to enhance water productivity on residential pumps. With the assistance of the Elders Quorum sold the part and gave all the proceeds to the church. His last years were lived at the Royal Gardens in Grants Pass where he shared his faith with many of the residents less fortunate, that were unable to communicate their beliefs but needed assistance with prayer. Predeceased by his Father then Mother also sisters, Marie Moran of Fairbanks AK, LaVonne Mandl, brother Bill Branson both of Bakersfield CA and his wife Dorothea Branson of Grants Pass OR. He leaves behind in mourning his daughter Mary Jo Cain (Jim) grand daughters Jennifer Cain and Rebecca Cain, great grandchildren, Jaci, Jim, Jesse, Sarah, Josie, great-great-grandsons Nathan and Cody all of Auburn CA. Step-daughter Lynda Campbell (Rich) of Citrus Heights CA, niece Sandra Branson Orsi Concord CA, nephew Jim Moran of Burlington WI and brother-in-law Ray Moran of MI Step-children, Nita Beavers (Lawnie) of Provo UT, Chuck Dorn (Nancy) of Eugene OR, Roberta Seno of San Diego CA, Joe Dorn (Rita) of Merced CA, 20 step-grandchildren, 42 step-great-grandchildren and one step great-great-grandchild also a very special friend Jan Goodell of Grants Pass OR. The family wishes to thank his extended family at Royal Gardens for the loving care that he has received over the past years and the kindness that has been given to the family.

A memorial service will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 22, 2010 at Hull & Hull Chapel with Bishop Lynden Woolley conducting. Private interment will be at Woodville Cemetery. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.