Marion Branch

BRANCH, Mr. Marion
Of Kalamazoo Marion died peacefully Saturday morning, January 8, 2011, at his home. He was born May 8, 1925, in Texas Township, MI and had been a lifelong area resident. He served in the US Navy as a SeeBee CB during WWII. Upon his return to Kalamazoo, Marion worked for BE-MO Foods for 33years until the plant closed. A year later he began working for the Stryker Corporation and was still working full time there after 25 years. Marion loved his family and enjoyed working, fishing, woodworking and fixing things for everyone. He also was a wonderful gardener with a passion for his potatoes and strawberries. Marion was a member of Living Church of God and was an active servant for his church. Marion was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Franklin Branch. On June 19, 1948, Marion was united in marriage with the former Mary Underwood, who survives. Also surviving are: six children, Marilyn Branch and her husband, James Cooper of Cooper, Richard Barbara Branch of Hastings, Carol Branch and her boyfriend, Paul Eller of Kalamazoo, Bonnie Branch of Kalamazoo, Paul Branch of Madisonville, LA and Laura Branch of Kalamazoo; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; four sisters, Mae Oswalt his twin sister of Paw Paw, Mary Jane Oswalt of Oshtemo, Geraldine Arthur VanderBor of Vicksburg and Barbara Sootsman of Kalamazoo; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 11:00 Wednesday morning at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street, with Pastor Daniel Friz, officiating. Interment in Genesee Prairie Cemetery will follow services. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 2-4 & 6-8 pm at the funeral home. Marion's family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be directed to Living Church of God for the charitable needs of others.