Gary Branstetter (Mansfield)'s Obituary
Gary Lee Branstetter, son of Vergil and Eula Mitchell Branstetter was born July 17, 1947 on Pea Ridge in Wright County, Missouri and departed this life on January 11, 2014 in Cox South Medical Center in Springfield, Missouri at the age of sixty-six years, five months and twenty-four days.
He was united in marriage to Shirley Joan Warford on February 1, 1982.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Don Branstetter and a step-daughter, Patty Moore.
Gary is survived by his wife, Joan of the home; two daughters, Leigh Branstetter of Kirksville, Missouri and Sue Branstetter of Mexico, Missouri; three step-children, Donna Curtis of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Mathew Curtis of Independence, Missouri and Stephnie St.Pierre of Seymour, Missouri; thirteen grandchildren, Amy Bunch, Kari Branstetter, Jacob Pierceall, Anthony Pierceall, Ricky St.Pierre, Kasey St.Pierre, Andy Lugo, Dustin Tracy, Jeremy Tracy, Alison Woodmansee, Matt Curtis, Mitchell Curtis and Jennifer Curtis; five great-grandchildren, Brody Pierceall, Anthony Pierceall, Aiden Sullivan, Jayce Woodmansee and Caleb Curtis; three brothers, Ralph Branstetter of Batesville, Arkansas, Bob Branstetter of Raymondville, Missouri and Dwight Branstetter of Batesville, Arkansas; a sister, Geneva Atwood of Nixa, Missouri as well as many nieces, nephews other relatives and many friends throughout the United States and Canada.
He was born and raised north of Mansfield and attended Mansfield Schools. At age 17, he joined the United States Army and faithfully served his country in the Vietnam War from 1964 until 1967. In 1971, he started working for the Frisco Railroad and retired in 2000 as a conductor for Burlington-Northern/Santa Fe Railroad.
Gary had made a profession of faith in Christ and was a member of Mt. Zion Southern Baptist Church.
Gary was known as “Mr. Clean” and the day before he died, a nurse came into his room and asked him if he would like to clean-up and he said, “get me a broom”.
He and Joan were avid campers and members of the Holiday Rambler RV club and loved to travel and re-locate during the winter. Gary also loved Chevy muscle cars and collecting HO scale trains.
Gary was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and will cherish the many wonderful memories we have had with him.
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