Carl Ray Branch

Carl Ray Branch, 80-year-old Vinita resident, passed away late Saturday, July 6, 2024, at his home. Carl was born on February 25, 1944, in Vinita to Henry Robert Branch and Ernestine Mae (Hollabaugh) Branch. After high school, Carl went into the United States Air Force on May 9, 1966, and served until May 8, 1970, he was honorably discharged, with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Carl lived and worked in the Pryor area for many years, then went to work for Fintube Technology in Tulsa, from where he retired. In August of 1990, Carl Married Wanda W. (Praytor), she survives of the home. Carl enjoyed hunting, traveling, working on home projects, being with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Carla Rae Whicker in 2021, a great-grandson, LaDerrian Isaiah Eugene Nelson in 2016, stepdaughter, Tonya Anderson in 2000, siblings, James Robert "Jim" Branch in 2011, Leland Branch in 2000, Walter Branch in 2019, Tilden Branch in 2017, and Frances Partain in 2023.
The surviving family includes his wife Wanda Branch of the home, children, Ryan Lee Branch of Collinsville, Angela Jo Branch of Tulsa, stepchildren, Jim Jones and wife Terry of Miami, Elizabeth Deitrick and special friend Michael of Vinita, Sean Anderson and wife Tina of Sand Springs, April Nelson and special friend Jackie Johnson of Vinita, twenty grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren, and his special pets, Wiggles and Chloe.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at the Burckhalter-Highsmith Chapel in Vinita.
The celebration of life will be held on Monday, July 15, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., Pastor Leland Bartlett will officiate. Interment and Military Honors will follow at the Fairview Cemetery in Vinita. Online condolences may be made at www.highsmithfh.com or on the funeral home Facebook page. Arrangements are in the care of the Burckhalter-Highsmith Funeral and Cremation Services of Vinita. "Vinita's only locally owned and operated funeral home."
The family asked that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Carl's name.