Joseph Franklin (Joe) Branch of Springfield, Missouri passed away on April 18, 2023 at the Medicalodges of Neosho in Neosho, Missouri, at the age of 76.  He was born September 6, 1946 in Kennett, Missouri, the second child of William O. and Mary R. (Dempsey) Branch.

Joe lived his early life in Kennett and attended school there other than two years when he attended the Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, Missouri, where he graduated from High School.  Early in his life he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at the First Baptist Church in Kennett.

After High School, Joe enlisted in the United States Navy.  During his four years in the Navy, he served in Viet Nam and was, at the time of his death, a disabled veteran.

After discharge from the military, Joe lived in a variety of places including Memphis, Tennessee, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Springfield, Missouri.  While he worked in a variety of jobs, most of his career he was a Stock and Bond Broker in Las Vegas, and later the owner/operator of a used car dealership in Springfield.  Joe was diagnosed with Cirrhosis of the Liver several years before his death and, at the time of his death was under the care of Haven Hospice of Springfield.

Joe was married several times, but the last few years of his life he was single and was cared for primarily by his neighbor and close friend, Jack Hooper.  While he was, for the most, part home bound, he always enjoyed time spent with several friends who visited him regularly.  He also maintained contact with several of his childhood friends from Kennett and was grateful for the opportunities he had to speak with them on the phone.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, William T. (Bill) Branch of Tampa, Florida.

The graveside service for Joe will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, April 27, at the Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri.