Larry Branson

Larry Branson, 80, of Flat Rock, IL, died at 1:44 a.m. (EST) on Monday, January 7, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, IN. He was born July 29, 1938 in Robinson, IL, the son of Bruce & Sally (York) Branson, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Charles Richard Branson and Jerry Paul Branson; and by his nephew, Richard Lee Branson. He married Judy Rollings on December 21, 1962, and she survives. He is also survived by his sons & daughters-in-law, Tim & Lisa Branson (Discovery Bay, CA) and David & Bobbi Jo Branson (Flat Rock, IL); by his grandchildren, Zachary, Madyson, Caitlin, Lexi, and Layni; by his brother & sister-in-law, Garry & Donna Branson (Flat Rock, IL); by his sister, JoAnn Branson (Flat Rock, IL); by his sisters-in-law & brother-in-law, Kathy & Jared Schanely (Waxhaw, NC), and Glenna Manship (Robinson, IL); by his close friend, Marge Hawkins (Flat Rock, IL); as well as several nieces and nephews. Larry attended Flat Rock Grade School and was a 1956 graduate of Robinson High School. He proudly served his country in the Army National Guard. Following basic training in Fort Dix, NJ, he completed officer’s training school in Fort Benning, GA, where he graduated as a First Lieutenant. Back home, he worked for a number of area businesses, from the John Green Store to the Robinson Daily News, until getting on with Ameren, where he worked for several years before retiring as a store room manager. Away from work, chances were, he was out shooting clay pigeons. He was by all accounts, a gun enthusiast, and was a lifetime member of the NRA. Larry was also a member of the Swearingen Chapel Church until it closed in 1960. Since then, he’s been an active member of the Flat Rock United Methodist Church. We find great peace in knowing that today, the faith that sustained him in this life has been made sight. A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 11th at the Flat Rock United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 12th at the church with burial following in the Jones Cemetery. His nephew, Pastor J.D. Branson will officiate the service. Memorials may be made to Flat Rock United Methodist Church, with envelopes available at the church. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Flat Rock is in charge of arrangements.