Donald (Don) Lee Branson

Donald (Don) Lee Branson, 85, of Holts Summit, went to be with his Savior on Friday July 5, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. Don was born on Saturday, August 4, 1934, in Osage City, Missouri to William Matterson Branson and Hattie Mae Yates. He was one of 11 siblings. Don was preceded in death by four brothers, Orville, Junior, Herb, and Harry. He was also preceded in death by five sisters, Mildred, Cleda, Mary, Jeanne, Helen and one remaining sister, Patricia (Pat) Eckelkamp, of Jefferson City. Don was united in marriage to Louise Ann Meisel on February 23, 1963. They shared 56 years of life together. They raised four children: Cheri Wilson, wife of William Wilson, of New Bloomfield, William (Bill) Branson husband of Amanda (Mandy) Branson, of Linn, Michael (Mike) Branson husband of Kimberly Branson, of Wardsville, and Jeanne Wright of Columbia. Don and Louise are proud grandparents to Sara Ruppel, Matthew Painter, Gregory Branson who preceded him in death, Angie Jacobs, Cory Wilson, Tanner Mitchell, Lauren Branson, Jasmine Jones, Bailey Branson, Payton Branson, Megan Branson, Jadyn Jones, Lanie Branson, Eric Branson, and Baylee Stiefermann and nine great-grandchildren with one on the way. They all exist due to two people falling in love. Don called Central Missouri home his entire life. His innate passion of music, baseball, fishing, and his family were his favorite things in life. He was an accomplished musician. In his youth, he led and toured with the country rock band The Western Playboys, playing music and providing entertainment to many. His musical aspirations were influenced by Johnny Cash and Jim Reeves and will live on in the lives of his children and grandchildren alike. Baseball, which was a cornerstone, came from his youth as he participated in many leagues and coached his son's as well as many other young men in this area. His love of fishing came from his father, however, he enjoyed fishing with his wife (who could out fish him) and the rest of his family. The most enjoyment Don received in life was spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren where there was no equal as a father or grandfather. He gave his time willingly to them, as his heart for family grew from his love and commitment to his Heavenly Father who called him home. He will be greatly missed by his family and all that knew and loved him. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 9, 2019, at Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Holts Summit with Rev. Dusty Klein officiating. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of services at the church. Interment will immediately follow services at Hawthorne Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested, per Don's wishes, donations be sent to St. Jude Children's Hospital, in his name. Arrangements are under the direction of TYLER M. WOODS FUNERAL DIRECTOR, 611 E. Capitol Ave. Jefferson City, Missouri 65101. (573) 636-2424. Condolences may be made to the family at www.WoodsMemorialServices.com