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BORN
1949
DIED
23011
Gerald Branson Obituary
Jerry was born July 13, 1949, in Fairbanks to Al and Evelyn Branson. The family moved from Fairbanks to Nome in 1952 and to Hawaii in 1954. Another move to California near Al and Evelyn's families happened in 1959. They always wanted to be back in their beloved Alaska and made that move in June 1963.
He graduated from Lathrop High School in 1967 and enlisted in the Navy in December of that year. After his discharge in 1971, he returned to Fairbanks and worked as a rescue/firefighter at the airport. He also worked in the service department of Gene's Chrysler before going to barber school in 1981 and joining his father in the family business at Midtown Barber Shop. He worked and owned the shop until his health forced him to retire in 2004.
His interests included family, fishing, trapping, camping and he always had a joke ready for everyone he met. He was a member of Pioneers' Igloo 4, American Legion Post 11 and Alaska Trappers Association. Jerry was a multiple-term governor of North Pole Moose Lodge 306 and earned the Fellowship Degree of Honor. He was instrumental in starting the Moose Lodge's Youth Awarness Program which still exists.
Jerry was involved with the Boy Scouts of America. He started as a youth in Cub Scouts and stayed active through his adult years as a scoutmaster of Troop 42. He was Scoutmaster of the Year several times and in 1991 received the highest honor an adult can receive in Scouting, the Silver Beaver Award.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 24 years, Corlus; his mother Evelyn and sister Lynn Immel (John Jr., Matthew); his five children, daughter Michelle Carter (husband Jamie, Morgan, Makaela), sons Jon Branson (Kaylynn, Christopher, Justin), Jim Christensen (girlfriend Sherry, Blaine, Kaylynn, Jasmine, Michael), Brian Branson (fiancee Marlyn, Braydon), Dan Claxito (wife Jessie, Lilly, Phoenix); and numerous special friends.
He was preceded in death by his father Al in 1982.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, June 10, at Chapel of Chimes.
A celebration of his life will follow in the Antler Room of the Elk's Lodge.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations may be sent to American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 80728, Fairbanks, AK 99708.
Arrangements were entrusted to Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Branson
Jo-Ann Grimaldi
July 7, 2011
How do you tell someone that you feel the pain of their loss? I feel that for each member of Jerry's family. Jerry always brought such joy to all of us at the bowling center when he would come in. We eagerly awaited the special jokes he would tell. Having Jerry as a friend was an honor and a ray of sunshine, he truly will be missed.
Georgia Heinze
June 20, 2011
My heart goes out to Jerry's family! What a special man he was, and he will not be forgotten. Corlus, you must know by now, Jerry and I "skipped school" one Mon., our freshman year. Guess what we did? Walked to the barbershop, cleaned it up, whatched soaps and shared a candy bar-Wicked, hugh? Love to you all!
Michelle Carter
June 13, 2011
I would like to thank everyone for the kind words and shared memories. Jerry was all of this and more. He was one of a kind with a huge heart and a smile for everyone! He was an amazing man not only for these things, but for more...more because he not only loved and treasured my Mom for over 25 years, but because he did the same for her kids as well. I can not count how many times he has been there for us. How many times he has picked us up when we fell down and how many times he not only told us, but showed us, how much he loves us. To a little girl who needed her Daddy, that was so very important. He taught me my life lessons and helped me grow to be who I am today. I love my Dad with all my heart and I will miss him even more!
Rose Mitcham
June 13, 2011
Dear loved ones of Jerry,
I am sad to say I did not met my cousin but I am prayin gfor all of you. I know he was loved and respect by all...I send my prayers and love to all.
Rose Mitcham
June 9, 2011
Evie, Lynn and Corlus, I remember how kind and helpful Jerry was to me when I began woring for Wien Airlines at the Ticket ounter. I hd already met you, Evie, then soon afterwrds Lynn became a member of the Wien employees. I considered all of you as part of my family and Al after I met him. We have shared memories for a very long time.Jerry and Lynn were like my own children. I regret that I hwas unable to see Jerry these past few years. He was very intelligent and always so nice and helpful to everyone. Corlus, I have met you and I do appreciate all the loving care you were able to give Jerry. I plan to be at the Services Friday. Please call me if I can be any help to all of you. 456-6159. With love to all of you. Sue Holman
Jim Pokrivnak
June 8, 2011
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Mary Lou Cady
June 8, 2011
Corlus & family. I was so sad to hear of Jerry's passing. I thought of all the wonderful memories that we shared for many years. Jerry met everyone with a big smile and usually a good joke. Jerry you will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this hard time.
Mary Lou Cady
Tim Yates
June 7, 2011
I am sorry to hear of your loss. Jerry was a longtime friend and barber to most of the guys in my family. His sense of humor and smile filled that little shop on Cushman St. He will surely be missed.
James and Judy Carter
June 7, 2011
Corlus and Michelle and family, just a note to say how sorry we were to hear of Jerry's passing. He was obviously a good man, father and husband. We know he'll be missed greatly in and around Fairbanks and especially in your hearts. Please know that our thoughts and sympathies are with you and that we'll be thinking of you in the days to come.
You have our deepest condolences.
June 7, 2011
Corlus,
I am sorry to hear about your loss. My Prayers are with you and your family. I will always remember Jerry with a smile on my face. Love and hugs to you all.
Jill
Merrie Shorter
June 7, 2011
In this time of sorrow, I get to reflect on all the good times that I was able to be part of.
Growing up in North Pole Jerry Corlus and their family became "My second famiy" during our teenage years.
Thank You for all the open heart conversations and family fun times you let me be part of. They will never be forgotten.
Merrie Shorter
Pam Hughes
June 7, 2011
So sorry to hear the news of Jerry's passing. Sending love and hugs your way.
Lisa Newman
June 7, 2011
Corlus, My heart goes out to you and the family, just remember Jerry filled your hearts with warmth, love and laughter that remains there always. He will always remain there. Hugs.
Lisa Newman
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