Branson Kelsey "Ban" Bywaters

Bywaters, Branson "Ban" Kelsey

Branson Kelsey Bywaters, affectionately known as "Ban," was born on November 25, 1947, in Dallas, Texas, to David Walter Bywaters and Dorothy Martin Bywaters. He lived in Paris until the age of three and moved to Dallas where he resided the majority of his life.

Branson attended Highland Park High School, graduating in 1966, where he played football. He continued his athletic career at Austin College, playing football for two years before transferring to Southern Methodist University, from which he graduated in 1970. While at SMU, he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He received an MBA from the University of Dallas in 1980.

On February 23, 1974, Branson married Kathleen Cullinan Hazelhurst in Kerrville, Texas, with whom he shared nearly 52 years of marriage.

Following college, Branson served in the Army National Guard from 1970 to 1976 as a paratrooper. He started running in the 1980's and 90's completing several marathons including the Boston marathon.

Professionally, Branson spent the first half of his career in commercial banking, working with several institutions including the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking, Dallas Federal Savings and Loan, Bright Banc, and Bank One. He later transitioned into financial planning, serving clients through Merrill Lynch and ultimately Morgan Stanley, where he retired from his professional career.

From the age of six, Branson was an avid train enthusiast, a passion that brought joy to countless families throughout the Dallas community. Each Christmas season, he created elaborate model train displays in retail venues including the Crescent, Galleria Dallas, and NorthPark Mall, with proceeds benefiting the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. Ban deeply loved his family, had a passionate heart for helping those in need, and cherished witnessing the joy the trains brought to children and families during the Christmas season.

Branson was a lifelong member of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, where he faithfully served as an usher and past trustee of Saint Michaels and All Angels Episcopal School. He was an active member and past president of the Park Cities Rotary Club and member and past president of Founding Forward. Branson was a past member of the Dallas Historical Society and Train Collectors Association. He also belonged to several social organizations, including the Argyle Dance Club as a member and past president, as well as, Idlewild Club, Terpsichorean Club, Calyx Club, and Dervish Club, and previously served as president of the Terpsichorean Club.

Branson passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, surrounded by family at Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, Texas, after a several year battle with Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA).

He is survived by his immediate family: his wife of nearly 52 years, Kathleen Cullinan Hazelhurst Bywaters; his son, Branson Kelsey Bywaters II, and his wife, Leigh Ann; his daughter, Natalie Bywaters Lee, and her husband, Brian Lee; his brother, William McDonald Bywaters, and his wife, Kay; his beloved grandchildren, Emma Lee and Preston Lee; his nieces Melinda Downey and Catherine Kivlan; and his nephew David Walter Bywaters III.

A funeral service will be held on March 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Dallas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, and The Museum of American Railroads in Frisco, Texas.