Obituary

Vernon Oscar Branch

February 5, 1942 - October 23, 2024

Vernon Oscar Branch, age 82 and a resident of Pine, passed away early Wednesday morning October 23, 2024 at his home. He was retired after a long career as a brick layer and the owner of Vernon Branch Masonry. Vernon laid the brick and helped construct numerous projects, both large and small, across Washington Parish. He built the Washington Parish and Bogalusa jails, Rayburn Correctional Institute buildings, numerous churches and homes, and he was proud to have done the masonry for all the fireplaces in the historic cabins of Mile Branch Settlement. Vernon enjoyed gardening, especially strawberries, and he often sold large amounts of strawberry plants to others in the area. He liked to do tractor work around his property and woodworking projects. Vernon enjoyed reading western novels and watching old western TV shows and movies as well as watching different sports on TV. He was a longtime active member of Pine Missionary Baptist Church, who never met a stranger, often visiting with people he just met. Vernon was forever a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Survived by: Wife of 62 years: Sandra Lea Branch of Pine; 2 Sons and a Daughter in law: Vernon Lane Branch of Pine, Deran Jay and Kim Branch of Colorado Springs, CO; Daughter and Son in law: Sheret and Kevin Luper of Pine; Grandchildren and Spouses: Logan and Brittany Seals, Raven and Aaron Moran, Casey Gerald, Laken Sheridan, Devan and Savannah Branch; Great-grandchildren: Jamison, Arrington, Ellisyn, Clarkson, Hunter, Caleb, Owen, Arrabella; Sisters in law and Brothers in law: Patricia Adams Branch, Nelson Lea, Chris and Sheila Lea, Kerman and Debbie Lea; Also numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends

He was preceded in death by his parents Ottis Branch and Wilda Stogner Branch, brother Ovett Branch, father in law and mother in law Guy and Inez Lea.

Visitation will be at Pine Missionary Baptist Church Saturday October 26th from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm. A funeral service will be held in the church at 1:00 pm Saturday with Eld. Adam Luper officiating. Burial will follow in the Pine Community Cemetery, next to the large brick sign that he built many years ago.

Pallbearers: Kevin Luper, Logan Seals, Devan Branch, Adam Branch, Lee Perry, Casey Gerald, Avery Beale

Crain Funeral Home in Franklinton, Louisiana is in charge of arrangements.