Festus Odell Branch

Festus Odell Branch, 81, of Double Oak Drive, Morganton, NC, died Sunday, March 19, 2006 at Valdese General Hospital following a lengthy illness. Born on November 24, 1924, he was a son of the late Cicero Gordon Branch and Zillah Branch. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Will Branch and Dallas Branch, sisters, Isa Russ, Eva Fender, Junie Cook, Talitha King, and Louise Blakely, and a grandson, Nicky York. Festus was a member of Pea Ridge Assembly of God and attended New Covenant Church of Valdese. He was active in his church’s music program and enjoyed gardening and his music. Festus was a retired employee of Drexel Heritage plants 3 & 5. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Mr. Branch is survived by his wife, Lucy Freeman Branch of the home; daughters, Dianne York and husband, Leonard, of Morganton, Norma Wheeler and husband, Walt, of Drexel, NC, Cathy Triplett of Drexel, Christine Austin of Marion, NC, Debbie Smithey and husband, Darrell, of Connelly Springs, NC, Aggie DeHetre and husband, Skip, of Morganton, and Pamela Cansler of Valdese, NC; a brother, Paul Branch, of Drexel; a sister, Gladys Cook of Granite Falls, NC; seventeen grandchildren, twenty-three great grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 22, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Ray Clemens officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the residence of Dianne and Leonard York, 116 Amherst Road, Morganton.