Ira D. Branson

Ira D. Branson, a loving father, grandfather and adoring husband whose kindness and bright smile left a lasting impression on everyone he met, passed away peacefully on Jan. 23, 2026, at the age of 88, surrounded by his family in prayer.

Born May 1, 1937, in Lind, Wash., Ira leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, humility and unwavering devotion to his family.

Raised on a wheat ranch in Lind alongside his three brothers and sister, Ira was the youngest son of Laura Berry Branson and Leslie Arthur Branson. The values of hard work, integrity and quiet perseverance shaped him early and stayed with him throughout his life.

He graduated from Lind High School in 1955, where he played football, basketball, baseball and participated in school plays. An active member of Future Farmers of America, Ira was named state Grand Champion in the steer division and competed in state speech competitions, demonstrating early the confidence and composure that would serve him throughout his life. He was also a skilled horseman, comfortable rounding up cattle on horseback and an excellent shot, something that often surprised his dear city friends later in life.

That same summer, his parents purchased a cattle ranch in northwestern Montana to raise registered Polled Herefords, a place that would remain special to Ira and the family for decades.

He went on to attend Washington State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science and later a master's degree in Agricultural Economics. During college breaks he returned to the Montana ranch, remaining closely connected to the land and family traditions. At WSU he served as president of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and was a member of the wrestling team, forming lifelong friendships that remained dear to him throughout his life.

After completing his graduate studies, Ira moved to Washington, D.C., in 1965 to begin his career in the federal government. A year later, far from home and knowing few people, he reached out to Anne Lawrence "Lawrie" Kern, a connection through his closest friend from WSU, and asked her to lunch. That simple invitation changed his life. They were married Sept. 9, 1967, in Alexandria, Va., beginning a deep and enduring love that would span nearly 60 years.

Soon after their wedding, Ira was accepted into a graduate economics program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston. Ira and Lawrie began their new life together there, spending several years in Boston that they always remembered with great fondness before returning to D.C..

Ira's career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture spanned four decades. He served in the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture, worked within the Executive Office of the President on the Cost of Living Council and devoted most of his career to the Foreign Agricultural Service. Over the years he rose to serve as Chief of the Planning and Funding Branch, Director of the Program Support Division and ultimately as a member of the Senior Executive Service, serving as Assistant Deputy Administrator for the Foreign Agricultural Service and leading the U.S. Export Credits Program. In 1984 he completed his Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics at the University of Maryland.

Faith, family and friendship formed the foundation of Ira's life. In 1970 Ira and Lawrie settled in Olney, Md., where they became devoted members of Oakdale Emory United Methodist Church for more than 50 years before later joining Inter-faith Chapel at Leisure World. Church was not simply a place of worship for Ira but a community he loved and served faithfully.

Ira found great joy in supporting his children in their athletics, teaching them to compete with effort, integrity and humility while holding themselves to high standards. That same encouragement continued as he proudly cheered on his grandchildren and watched the people they were becoming.

An avid snow skier, Ira spent many winter weekends with family and friends at the Kern family home at Bryce Resort and enthusiastically supported his children in ski racing throughout their youth. He also delighted in time on the golf course with friends, loving the fellowship far more than the frustrations of the game itself. Throughout their years in the Washington, D.C., area, Ira and Lawrie built deep friendships and shared many travels across the United States and Europe.

Above all, Ira was thoughtful, kind and deeply humble. Though his professional accomplishments were significant, he rarely spoke of them. He carried himself with grace, gentleness and quiet strength.

Ira is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Lawrie; his daughter, Anne Branson Hellie, her husband Dan Hellie and their children Caroline and Chase; his son, David Branson, his wife Abigail Brooks Branson and their daughters Hazel and Margot; his two brothers, Jennell and Orville, in Washington state; the extended Kern family, whom he loved as his own; and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

His legacy is one of faith, kindness, service and love. Those who knew him were better because of him, and his example of kindness and humility will remain with his family always. A memorial service is planned for March 28th at Inter-Faith Chapel at Leisure World in Silver Spring, MD at 10am.