Obituaries

Pat and Cathy Branch

September 26, 2020

Patrick Lewis Branch, age 65, was born on April 28, 1955 and went to be with the Lord on Saturday September 19, 2020. Cathy Diane Kennedy Branch, age 64, was born on October 17, 1955 and went to be with the Lord on Sunday September 26, 2020. They were residents of Thomas and were the love of each other’s lives, having been married for 47 years. They were very faithful, active members of New Beginning Baptist Church, where they filled many shoes within the services and ministry of the church. Cathy taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School as well as singing and playing the piano for most services. They devoted their lives to their children and their church. The couple operated Branch Dairy together for over a decade and worked hard each and every day. We know that they will remain together forever in Heaven.

Cathy owned Cathy’s Silk Flowers for 6 years and managed the office of John R. Tucker, MD for 8 years. She was a beautiful woman that had a servant’s heart. She enjoyed making crafts and loved the Christmas season. Cathy coached her daughter in youth basketball and was a wonderful cook. She taught her children “there is no such word as can’t”. Cathy was a one-of-kind “Jill of All Trades”, a true “Wonder Woman”.

Pat was a lifelong beef farmer that loved going to the Tylertown Stockyards sale barn every week. He loved his land, animals and country. Pat was passionate about basketball, coaching both of his sons, and played at the YMCA with his friends, even as a 40 year old. He was a great man that gave generously, but he was also a funny character that loved to make people smile and laugh. Pat loved his John Deere tractors, riding his 4-wheeler with his grandchildren and watching is favorite old Western movies and TV shows.

Survived by: 3 Children and Spouses: Rev. Keith and Megan Branch of Thomas, Steven and Heather Branch of Bogalusa, Amanda and Robert Guidry of Pine; Cathy’s Mother: Clara Mae Knight Kennedy of Angie; Grandchildren and Spouses: Carrie, Bridget, Brittany, Brooklyn, Jy, Jade, Charlotte, Jacob and Kailey, Olivia and Andrew, Taylor, Laci, Haley, Laken, Kiley, Haley R., Skyler, Mason, Destiny, Mylah, Dalton; Great-grandchildren: Phenyx, Daxtyn, Roselyn Mae, Waylon; Cathy’s Sister and Brother in law: Theresa and Byron Stogner of Angie; Pat’s Sisters: Gayle Branch Cooper of Franklinton, Sandra Branch Strahan of Gulfport, MS; Pat’s Sister in law: Faye Branch of Bogalusa

They were preceded in death by a grandson Luke Austin Branch, Cathy’s father Eld. R. J. Kennedy, brother Robert J. Kennedy, Jr., grandmother Emma Knight, Pat’s parents Robert and Chinesey Branch, brother James “Jimmy” Branch, brothers in law Eld. Clyde Cooper, Walter Strahan.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home Thursday October 1st from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm and after 10:00 am on Friday. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 1:00 pm Friday with Rev. Eddie Hartfield, Rev. Frederick Brumfield, and Rev. Don McDaniel officiating. Burial will follow in the New Beginning Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Greg Stuart, Robert Strahan, Ricky Martin, Brian Jones, Lindy Terrell, Justin Stogner

Honorary Pallbearers: Byron Stogner, Ronald Jones, Darrel Magee, Jerry Miller

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial donations to New Beginning Church (29125 Marvin Jones Road, Franklinton, LA 70438) or to a church or charity of your choice.