Cecil Leroy Branson

Cecil Leroy Branson, son of the late Louie and Opal (Carr) Branson, was born December 26, 1925, in Mountain Grove, Missouri, and departed this life March 23, 2021, at Autumn Oaks Caring Center in Mountain Grove. He was 95 years, 2 months, and 29 days of age.

Cecil grew up in Mountain Grove and graduated from Mountain Grove High School. He served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and received a Purple Heart. He worked as a truck driver most of his life.

In his spare time, Cecil enjoyed coin collecting, gardening, and spending time outdoors. He was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Mountain Grove. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #30 and proudly served with the Funeral Honors Detail for many years. Cecil helped Meals on Wheels by delivering meals as long as his health permitted.

Cecil was preceded in death by his father, Louie Branson, his mother, Opal Branson, his step-mother, Ruby Branson, his first wife, Geraldine (Smith) Branson, his second wife, Joy Thoman-Branson, one sister, Leona Griffin, and his step-son, Floyd Thoman.

He is survived by his step-daughter, Phyllis Clark (Jim), one step-brother, Dale Besson, one step-sister, Inez Walker, two step-grandchildren, Christopher Clark (Stephanie) and Stephanie Weis (Jim), three step-great-grandchildren, Ellie Clark, Jack Weis, and Ross Weis, a cousin, Harold Branson, a special friend, Vivien Eckert, and other relatives and friends who will miss him.