1952
Richard
2015
Richard Douglas Branch
April 19, 1952 — October 29, 2015
Richard Douglas Branch age 63 of Hastings passed away Thursday, October 29, 2015 at Pennock Hospital in Hastings after a hard fought battle with cancer.
Richard was born April 19, 1952 in Kalamazoo, the son of Marion and Mary (Underwood) Branch. He graduated from Portage Northern High School in 1970. After graduating high school Rich worked in the logging industry out west, and building pole-barns. For 30 years he worked in landscape construction. He worked for Lights Landscape first, then Collards Quality, and most recently Stap Bros. in Hickory Corners. In 2012, he was certified as a "tree doctor" diagnosing and treating trees, shrubs, and lawn diseases.
Rich married Barbara (Mellinger) on his parents wedding anniversary, June 19, 1982. He figured it was a good omen. He was right! He enjoyed good food with good company. He also liked football, nascar, reading, history, and his favorite little boy Aiden Bear. Rich was a member of Lifegate Community Church.
Rich was preceded in death by his grandparents, his father, Marion (2011), father in-law, Robert(1998), adopted son, Charlie Hoffman (2012), nephew, Matthew (2009), brother in-laws, Richard Smith (2002), and Vern DeWitt (2015).
Richard is survived by his wife, Barbara (Mellinger) Branch of Hastings, sons, Adam Branch, Matt Mays, Chuck Purdum III, daughters, Caitlin (Loren Smith) Branch, Jess (Chris) Louden, Juell Hernandez, Ashley Vandriel, Julie (Lawrence) Harris of Utah, grandchildren, Aiden Newell, Alexandra & Zachary Harris of Utah, Jacob and Emilia Louden, Corey Jr. and Logan Green, mother, Mary Branch, mother -in-law, Sharon Drill, sisters, Marilyn, Carol, Bonnie and Laura Branch, brother, Paul Branch, sister in-laws, Shari DeWitt, Margie Mellinger, Kristy Mellinger, and Michele (Kevin) Kelly, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and great friends. You know who you are!
Respecting his wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held Saturday November 21, 2015 at 12:00 noon followed by a luncheon at Lifegate Community Church 301 E. State Rd. Hastings, MI. Pastor Scott Price will officiate the service.
Memorial contributions can be made to the family to help with final expenses or the National Cancer Research Center 1025 Connecticut Ave. N.W. Suite 1012 P.O. Box 96676 Washington, DC. 20090-6676
Rich was a Jack of all trades. He could fix anything! He always could see the bright side of the worst situation. He had the patience of a saint. He never gave up on anyone. He was a quiet man with a wealth of wisdom. His actions showed his love. He never got angry. His smile lit up a room!
Richard was born April 19, 1952 in Kalamazoo, the son of Marion and Mary (Underwood) Branch. He graduated from Portage Northern High School in 1970. After graduating high school Rich worked in the logging industry out west, and building pole-barns. For 30 years he worked in landscape construction. He worked for Lights Landscape first, then Collards Quality, and most recently Stap Bros. in Hickory Corners. In 2012, he was certified as a "tree doctor" diagnosing and treating trees, shrubs, and lawn diseases.
Rich married Barbara (Mellinger) on his parents wedding anniversary, June 19, 1982. He figured it was a good omen. He was right! He enjoyed good food with good company. He also liked football, nascar, reading, history, and his favorite little boy Aiden Bear. Rich was a member of Lifegate Community Church.
Rich was preceded in death by his grandparents, his father, Marion (2011), father in-law, Robert(1998), adopted son, Charlie Hoffman (2012), nephew, Matthew (2009), brother in-laws, Richard Smith (2002), and Vern DeWitt (2015).
Richard is survived by his wife, Barbara (Mellinger) Branch of Hastings, sons, Adam Branch, Matt Mays, Chuck Purdum III, daughters, Caitlin (Loren Smith) Branch, Jess (Chris) Louden, Juell Hernandez, Ashley Vandriel, Julie (Lawrence) Harris of Utah, grandchildren, Aiden Newell, Alexandra & Zachary Harris of Utah, Jacob and Emilia Louden, Corey Jr. and Logan Green, mother, Mary Branch, mother -in-law, Sharon Drill, sisters, Marilyn, Carol, Bonnie and Laura Branch, brother, Paul Branch, sister in-laws, Shari DeWitt, Margie Mellinger, Kristy Mellinger, and Michele (Kevin) Kelly, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and great friends. You know who you are!
Respecting his wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held Saturday November 21, 2015 at 12:00 noon followed by a luncheon at Lifegate Community Church 301 E. State Rd. Hastings, MI. Pastor Scott Price will officiate the service.
Memorial contributions can be made to the family to help with final expenses or the National Cancer Research Center 1025 Connecticut Ave. N.W. Suite 1012 P.O. Box 96676 Washington, DC. 20090-6676
Rich was a Jack of all trades. He could fix anything! He always could see the bright side of the worst situation. He had the patience of a saint. He never gave up on anyone. He was a quiet man with a wealth of wisdom. His actions showed his love. He never got angry. His smile lit up a room!
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