Dr. Leon Branton

"> Leon N. Branton MD
Leon N. Branton, 77, of Weisenberg Township, died September 23, 2005 in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. He was the husband of Prudence (Weight) Branton. They celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary in June. Born in Wilson, he was the son of the late Nelson S. and Pearl E. (Wasser) Branton. He graduated from Muhlenberg College and Temple University Medical School, interned at Sacred Heart Hospital and completed his residency in pediatrics at St. Christophers Hospital in 1959. His practice began that same year and evolved into Lehigh Valley Pediatrics, one of the first group practices in the Lehigh Valley. He served as chief of pediatrics at Sacred Heart Hospital for several years. Always active in medical politics, he served as president of the County Medical Society in 1975 and received a distinguished service award from that group in 1979. He fulfilled his military service by serving with the U.S. Public Health Service on Indian reservations in Arizona and Nevada. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Allentown. He was a member of the Lehigh Country Club. He was an avid golfer whose greatest joy was playing golf with his three sons. He was the father of Dr. Lance A. and his wife, Marianne, of Schnecksville, David L. late of Allentown, Jonathan M. of Detroit, Michigan, Jennifer B., wife of Wayne B. Lancaster of Bethlehem, Elizabeth B., wife of Dr. Thomas S. Samuelsen of Scranton. He was the grandfather of Andrew, Eric, John and Molly Branton; Timothy, Joshua, Michael and Celia Lancaster; Kristen, Brian, Kietryn and Britney Samuelsen. He was a brother-in-law of Judith (Weight), wife of Dr. Bruce D. Fritchman of Springtown. Services: Private service. Schantz Funeral Home Inc., Emmaus, is in charge of the arrangements. Contributions: Katrina Relief Fund, c/o the American Red Cross.