Columbia Daily Tribune

Frank E. Branson, 91, of Ashland passed away Sunday, May 18, 2014, at Boone Hospital Center, where he was born March 5, 1923. He was one of the first babies delivered in the new hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 22, at Ashland Baptist Church. Burial will follow at New Salem Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the church.

Frank, the son of Frank and Clema Nichols Branson, spent most of his life in Ashland as a farmer and active community member.

He was stationed with the Naval Air on Manus Island at the end of World War II. Upon returning at the end of World War II, he met and married Nellie Swim of Jefferson City on Oct. 5, 1946. They were married 64 years and had four children.

For a number of years, Frank served as a deacon of Ashland Baptist Church. He was responsible for bringing 4-H to Ashland and served as a leader for several years. He was also a member of the Ashland Masonic Lodge and the Ashland American Legion. Frank retired from the University of Missouri Equine Center, where he was a farm manager. He also worked for South County Bank for several years.

Survivors include two daughters, Cynthia Kay (Bill) Arendt of Columbia and Marsha Lynne Root of Blackwater; one son, Rodney F. Branson of Ashland; grandchildren Thaddeus A. Stubbs, Courtney E. (Ryan) Swan, Nicholas R. (Mandy) Root, Frank K. Branson and James C. Branson; and great-grandchildren Jackson D. Stubbs, Callum M. Swan and Connor S. Root.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nellie; a daughter, Pamela Sue Stubbs; and son-in-law Steven Root.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Ashland Baptist Church Building Fund, Ashland American Legion and Ashland Masonic Lodge.

Arrangements are under the direction of Robinson Funeral Home in Ashland.