Delmar Branson

Delmar Branson, 79, of Belle, was greeted by his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 6, undoubtedly hearing, “Well done, my good and faithful servant,” while being surrounded by his dearly loved family.

Delmar was born on May 18, 1947, in Bland and was the oldest child of Glenn and Esther (Juedemann) Branson. His childhood was filled with all kinds of adventures with his sister, Sharon, and numerous neighbors and family members. He was a member of the Bland High School Class of 1965 and loved to reminisce about his time in that building when he attended events there. After high school, he moved to St. Louis. He enjoyed his years in the city and would continually surprise his family with stories from this chapter of his life.

On April 18, 1969, he married his forever sweetheart, Belinda, in a simple courthouse ceremony. From this blessed union, three children were born: Dale Branson and his wife Angela of Rolla, Susanne Eoff and her husband Derek of Jefferson City, and Amber Hendrix and her husband Jeff of Belle. They also have one sweet baby who never saw this side of Earth, but was waiting anxiously to be reunited in heaven.

Over the years, Delmar worked in many different jobs, but he is best remembered for his time at Bull Moose Tube in Gerald, where he worked for over 35 years. He began his career there as a draftsman and continued to hold other leadership roles within the company. During his tenure there, he was provided the opportunity to take classes at East Central College, where he earned numerous associate’s degrees, which allowed him the ability to truly become a jack of all trades. He took great pride in a job well done, and his attention to detail and precision were impeccable.

Delmar cared deeply for the things that mattered most to him, and his relationship with Jesus is something he would never hesitate to speak about. He grew up in church, but it wasn’t until his adult years that he truly gave his life to Jesus, and once he did, he never turned back. With Belinda by his side, he served faithfully in the churches he attended until the very end. He used his retirement years to serve in the church and didn’t let his physical limitations keep him from using the skills God blessed him with to serve well. He would quickly shy away from any recognition for serving, but there were many projects over the years that were completed because of his dedication and leadership.

Delmar never met a stranger, and if he did, by the time he had finished talking with them, they would have found a way they were connected. He was an amazing example of loving others and did his best to instill that in his children and grandchildren. He had a joke for every occasion, a smile that comforted any and every heart, and never seemed to be at a loss for just the right thing to say to bring wisdom and guidance. He was a solid rock to those who knew him best, but that was because he had built his life on the Solid Rock, Jesus.

In addition to his children, Delmar is survived by his brother-in-law, Jim Howard, sister-in-law Alvina Dittman, his grandchildren Blake Branson, Tanner Branson, Abby Payne, Kristofer Eoff, Kolton Eoff, Spurling Hendrix, and Espyn Hendrix, and four great-grandchildren.

In addition to his sweetheart, Belinda, he is preceded in death by his parents, sister Sharon Howard, and beloved grandson, Trevor Branson.

Services for Delmar will be held on Saturday, October 17, with visitation beginning at 9 am, a celebration of life beginning at 11 am, and a time of fellowship immediately following, all at Faith Baptist Church in Belle. A private family burial will take place at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that expressions of sympathy be made to Faith Baptist Church’s Vacation Bible School and Children’s Ministry Funds.