Steve Branon

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Steve Branon, who left us on October 24th, 2025, at the age of 69. Steve was a long-time resident of Bergman, Arkansas, with his loving wife of 45 years.

Steve was born on June 24th, 1956, in Farmington, Missouri. He grew up on a farm and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He proudly served in the Army starting at the age of 18, but his luckiest year was 1979 when he met and married the love of his life, Terri Archer. He knew he had found his lifelong best friend and wasted no time, marrying six months after meeting.

His many occupations during those early years included positions at Sears, woodworking, and building houses. His life was defined by service-whether responding to emergencies, lending a helping hand, or fixing something for a neighbor. Steve gave freely of his time and talents and never asked for anything in return. What truly spoke of his character was his willingness to help anyone in need. Whether it was extinguishing fires, helping with medical emergencies, handyman tasks, calf wrangling, or just being a friend, he would drop everything to help. He only drew the line with electrical work. He may have had a healthy fear of being electrocuted.

Steve was widely known for his passion for helping people and serving the community. He served 30 years with the Bergman Volunteer Fire Department, holding roles as Assistant Fire Chief, Fire Chief, and First Responder. He also proudly served with Boone County Search and Rescue. But Steve was more than that… he was loyal, selfless, and persistent.

When he wasn't serving his community, Steve could often be found outdoors-fishing any chance he got or hunting in the woods. He had a quick wit and a sharp sense of humor, always ready with a perfectly timed joke that left everyone laughing.

Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Branon, and father, Billy Joe Branon.

Above all, Steve loved his family deeply. His greatest accomplishment was being called PePaw by his grandchildren, who brought endless light and laughter to his life.

Steve leaves his legacy with his devoted wife, Terri Branon; siblings Timmy Branon (Sheri), Debbie Clark (Danny), Joanna Seymore (Scott), and Becky Lowell; sister-in-law Sherry Keeter (Larry); brother-in-law Alan Archer (Gail); his children Rachel Combs (Blake), Melinda Smalley (Dana), Lindsey Branon, and Stephen Branon (Kristine); and grandchildren Madison Humphrey (Brock), Chris Birdsong (Kayla Warren), Tyler Birdsong (Sara Hastings), Simon McCullough, Olivia Branon, Gus Combs, Chase Branon, Archer Branon, along with four great-grandchildren and one on the way.

Steve will be dearly missed, but his heart and his impact on the community will never be forgotten.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Geoffrey Dunaway and staff for their kindness, dedication, and many years of compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Bergman Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 36, Bergman, Arkansas 72615.