Jasper Edwin Branson

Jasper Edwin Branson, 83 of Pawnee, Oklahoma, passed away Saturday, February 16, 2008 at the Cushing Regional Hospital. Jasper was born December 1, 1924 the son of Jasper and Claire Branson. Jasper grew up in Dawson Springs, Kentucky where he later graduated high school. After graduation Ed joined the United States Army in 1944. At the conclusion of World War II Jasper was honorably discharged and returned to Paducah, Kentucky. Jasper was later united in marriage to Celesta Dean (Peal) and they established their intial home in Paducah. Mr. Branson was again called to active duty during the Korean Conflict. He returned home and gained employment as a welder. In 1959, Ed began working for North American Van Lines as a owner operator based out of Ft. Wayne, Indiana. He traveled throughout the United States with his job.

Mr. Branson was working in New Jersey and met Joan Alice (Albright) Rood. The couple moved to Texas and was united in marriage in Dallas, Texas on December 23, 1977. After their marriage they remained in Dallas for 2 years then moved to Milford, Texas. Ed and Joan lived in Milford from1979 till 1987. In 1987, they moved to Jennings, Oklahoma then to Cleveland, for the past three years they lived in Pawnee at their current home. Ed had worked at North American Van Lines for over 40 years at his retirement.

Ed was an avid racing fan and enjoyed watching bull riding. He also loved to fish and travel.

Survivors include his wife Joan of the home, four sons Keith Branson and his wife Rona of Franklin, Tennessee, Kevin Branson of Paducah, Kentucky, Robert Thomas Rood of Cheyenne, Wyoming, David Edward Rood of Cheyenne, Wyoming, two daughters Sandra Lorraine Kastning of Jennings, Oklahoma, Patricia Lynn Strader and husband Dale of Cushing, Oklahoma; six grandchildren Joanna, Emily, Mitchell, Matthew, Daniel and Brandy; two great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Jasper Branson, mother Claire Branson and a step daughter Karen Lynn Rood.

Graveside Services will be held 10:30 am, Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at the Osage Cemetery with Keith Branson officiating under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home, Inc.