Richard Branstetter (Veteran)

Mr. Richard L. Branstetter, age 91 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., died Monday, September 19, 2011, at his home. Richard was born January 13, 1920, in Pike County, Mo., the son of William H. and Bernice Jenkins Branstetter. He was married on August 4, 1941, in New London, Mo., to Jean Teague. A lifelong resident of the central Missouri area, Richard served in the United States Army during World War II serving with the 138th Infantry in the Aleutians and Central Europe as an automatic rifleman. For his service, he was awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Campaign Ribbon, and the European-African- Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon. Richard was employed as an electrician with Stokes Electric for many years and later retired from the Callaway Nuclear Plant in 1982. He was a member, deacon, elder, and trustee of the First Presbyterian Church; a 64-year member of the American Legion, Roscoe Enloe Post 5; and a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 257. Survivors include: his wife of 70 years, Jean Branstetter; two sons, Richard Lee Branstetter and his wife Betsy of Jefferson City, Mo. and John Edwin Branstetter and his wife Nancy of Highland, Mich.; one daughter, Peggy Jean Snell and her husband Jim of Springfield, Mo.; seven grandchildren, Bill Branstetter and his wife Sara of San Antonio, Texas, Sunny Branstetter of Jefferson City, Mo., Johnny Branstetter of Brighton, Mich., Lauren Branstetter of Highland, Mich., Michael Bregenzer of Richmond, Texas, Kristen Hensley and her husband Matt of Sullivan, Mo., and Aaron Snell and his wife Holly of McKinney, Texas; 10 great- grandchildren, Kate Branstetter, Ben Branstetter, Kaitlyn Bregenzer, Kendall Bregenzer, Courtney Hensley, Brooklyn Hensley, Taylor Hensley, Emma Snell, Malachi Snell, and Ava Snell; four brothers, David Branstetter, Randall Branstetter, Jim Branstetter and his wife Carol, and Jack Branstetter; and one sister-in-law, Fran Branstetter. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, two brothers, and one grandson. Visitation will be at the First Presbyterian Church from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 22, 2011. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 22, 2011, at the First Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Dr. Robert Erickson and the Reverend Dr. David Henry officiating. Graveside services and interment with military honors will be conducted at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Hospice Compassus or the First Presbyterian Church. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com