Myron Branson

1934 - 2010

On November 20, 2010, Myron Branson lost his courageous battle with cancer. He passed away as he lived his life; strong until the end, determined to leave this world with dignity, and with his quick sense of humor. He was born to the late Myron and Kathleen Callaghy on December 12, 1934. Having lost his father at a young age he was adopted and raised by Thomas Branson, Jr. He graduated from Carmel High School in 1950. After graduating from Monterey Peninsula College, Myron joined the United States Navy Reserves. He married the late Lesta Jean Lorraine in 1959. They made their home in Menlo Park, Calif. and had two daughters, Mylene and Lorrain, and son Lester. Myron was the President and CEO of Vail Burner & Oil Company in San Mateo, Calif. for over 30 years. He also spent six years coaching basketball at the Nativity Catholic Grammar School in Menlo Park. Myron served as one of the first alter boys at St. Gregory's Catholic Church in San Mateo. He was an active member of both the San Mateo Elk's Lodge (Post 1112), as well as the Palm Springs Elk's Lodge (Post 1905). Myron sold Vail Oil Company in 1992 and retired to Palm Desert, Calif. On April 8, 1995 Myron was married to Mary Manderscheid. During his years of retirement Myron kept busy as a starter at Indio Municipal Golf Course and bartending at Harry's Hoffbrau and the American Legion of Palm Springs, Calif. Myron was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather; his brother, Thomas Branson III and his daughter, Mylene Branson. He is survived by his wife, Mary; his son, Lester Branson and his wife Lora; his daughter, Lorraine Kramer and her husband Kevin; stepdaughters, Kimberly Larby and Kelly Sipes and her husband Scott. He was a loving grandfather to Benjamin Branson, Valarie Kramer, Sean Kramer, Cole Larby, Kara Larby, Julian Sipes and Summer Sipes. Myron is also survived by his sister, Rosemary Harger of Gilbert, Ariz. Funeral services will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 43-775 Deep Canyon, Palm Desert on Monday, November 29, 2010 at 11:00a.m. Private burial will be held Tuesday, November 30, 2010.