Rocky D. Branson

Rocky Dewayne Branson, age 67, passed away October 25, 2025 at Capital Regional Medical Center from pneumonia. Rocky was born on June 23, 1958. He was the son of Quilas Thomas Clinton (“Q.T.”) Branson and Ruby Mae Branson (née Robertson) of Belle, Missouri and the brother of Joyce Ann Waggoner, who all preceded him in death.

Rocky married Tammy Martin on June 27, 1998. They brought together seven children: Dustin (Heather) Branson of Jefferson City, MO; Sarah (Andy) Branson of Columbia, MO; Samantha (Jesse) Hamilton of Holts Summit, MO; Tiffany (Troy) Buske of Faribault, MN; Erica (Matthew) Steen of Belle, MO; Thomas (Tori) Manning of Mountain View, MO; and Jeremy Manning of Holts Summit, MO. He was also blessed with 18 grandchildren.

He found joy in life’s simple pleasures — hunting in the quiet woods, working hard at the family farm, and tending the grill until his barbequed ribs were just right. He loved to tease his children by sending photos of homemade fried chicken, never with an invitation attached. Evenings were best spent watching the deer emerge at sunset or cheering on his beloved Cardinals and Chiefs. Gentle by nature, he would hand-feed carrots to the wild bunnies that visited the yard, and he took great pride in guiding new hunters in the family to the deer stand, sharing not just the sport but the patience and peppermint candies that came with it.

Visitation for Rocky will be held on Thursday, October 30th from 5:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m. at Sassman’s Chapel in Belle.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 31st at 11:00 a.m. at Pilot Knob Baptist Church.