Francis Branstetter's Obituary
Francis Marion Branstetter, son of Francis Marion and Bertie Oliver Branstetter, was born June 8, 1922, in Hartville, Missouri. He departed this life Thursday, May 18, 2006, in St. John’s Regional Health Center, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of eighty-three years, eleven months, and ten days. On March 30, 1946 he was united in marriage to Bertha Lue Kinser and to this union one son and two daughters were born. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bertha, on October 20, 1982; three brothers, Julian, Laster and Ray Branstetter; and a sister, Veda Branstetter. Francis is survived by a son, James Branstetter, of Peru, Indiana; two daughters, Ellen Collier, and her husband, Charles, of Springfield, Missouri, and Betty Dobbins, and her husband, Ronnie, of Ava, Missouri; six grandchildren, Dennis Branstetter, Trina Branstetter, Eric Branstetter, Jennifer McGuire, Monica Wininger, and Justin Walters; two great-grandchildren, Braden Branstetter, and Daryan Wininger; a brother, Charles Branstetter, and his wife, Ruby, of Mansfield, Missouri; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. He was born and raised in Wright County and resided there his whole life. On January 29, 1943 he entered the United States Army, where he served his country faithfully during World War II. He received five bronze stars for the following campaigns, Rome-Arno, Southern France, Northern France, Rhineland and Central European. Francis had made his profession of faith in Christ, and was a member of the Mission Temple Baptist Church. He was a very active member of the Clarence King Post # 128 of the American Legion, and the VFW of Mountain Grove. In his spare time he greatly enjoyed fishing, loved turkey hunting and beekeeping. Francis was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and accomplishment and will treasure the wonderful memories he has created for his family and friends. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 21, 2006, in the Holman-Howe Chapel, Mansfield. Burial will be in the Mansfield Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Mansfield, Missouri.
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