Bob Branch

Bob Branch Robert Kenneth "Bob" Branch, 85, passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at Abilene Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his family. He was a lifelong resident of Abilene. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Patsy Ruth (Waldrop) Branch, his parents, George and Myrtie Branch, two sisters, Maldene Heard and Palm L Finley, his brother, George W. Branch Jr., and great-grandson Barrett Branch. Survivors include his three children and their spouses: Ken and Diane Branch of Keller, Cindy (Branch) and Don Larson of Aledo, and Janet (Branch) and Bryce Ratliff of Brownwood; nine grandchildren: Tony Larson, Amy (Larson) Powers, Chad Larson, Jared Branch, Drew Branch, Kellye (Branch) Tilford, Stehl Ratliff, Lexxi Ratliff, and Lakyn Ratliff; 11 great-grandchildren; and dozens of loyal friends. The constraints of fine newsprint do not allow for an adequate summary of Bob's 85 years of pilgrimage on this earth, but here is our best effort. Bob Branch was a man who lived his life with Christ as his foundation. He took the Bible at its word and lived it out daily. As his family reminiscing, we are so proud and amazed at his consistency in choosing right over wrong, even in circumstances where standing by his convictions would cause pain, or when a slight breach of integrity could have resulted in earthly gain. There was right and there was wrong, independent of consequence or popular opinion. Would that we all had such moral clarity and godly tenacity. These qualities also made him an impeccable worker. Whether as 14 year old soda jerk at Thornton's Department Store, an employee of West Texas Utilities then Tony Lama Boot Company, as a Major in the Army Reserve from which he retired, as a Deacon and then Elder for many years at Highland Church of Christ, in his garden producing bumper crops of tomatoes and cantaloupe, or in his workshop crafting anything he pleased as a first rate carpenter - he worked as though for God, not men. On one occasion, before taking a job that would ultimately result in financial blessing, he risked jeopardizing his chances of being hired, by in no uncertain terms, informing his future boss of three things: "I won't steal from you, and I won't steal for you." "I won't lie to you, and I won't lie for you." "...and I go to church on Sunday." Years later this same boss pulled Bob aside and asked him sincerely "are there any more like you where you come from?" We certainly don't think so. When he wasn't working he enjoyed playing golf with his friends at Shady Oaks; he was one of 25 lifetime members who helped fund the "back 9". He was a great golfer, and loved to teach others how to play the sport. He was an even better fisherman, and would catch "a whole mess of fish" in stock tanks down in Oplin or his lake cabin on Lake Brownwood. When grandkids came with him, he spent most his time "fishing" getting lures out of tree limbs and taking perch off hooks. All accolades aside, Bob would probably tell you one of the greatest achievements of his life was convincing Patsy Ruth Waldrop to marry him. (And why not - she was gorgeous, smart, fun, talented, godly... for brevity, just shy of perfect). From the time they began dating at then Abilene Christian College, until the day he passed, he was head-over-heels in love with her. Even at 62 years of marriage, he would frequently brag on her cooking (which he loved to eat and share with others), admire her beauty, and tell his grandsons "if you ever find one like her, marry her." It was also his annual tradition to give Patsy a gift on Mother's Day and include a card that said "to the mother of our children". He loved his children and would brag on each one, independently at different times, as if he or she were an only child. It goes without saying that he loved and bragged on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And we all loved him dearly. His departure leaves us heartbroken, but not without peace and joy in the knowledge that we will be united in Glory. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 31st at 1:00 PM at Hillcrest Church of Christ, 650 E. Ambler, with Terry Brown officiating. Interment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, January 30th, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, located at 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.