John Kirklin Branham

John Kirklin Branham, affectionately known as "Kirk" and "Bossman," transitioned on January 18, 2026, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Mexico, Missouri.
Kirk was born on March 31, 1954, in Columbia, Missouri, to Gladys Iona (Renfro) Branham and Elroy Branham. He attended Columbia Public Schools and graduated from Hickman High School in 1972.
Following graduation, Kirk enlisted in the United States Army, serving honorably in South Korea during the Vietnam War Era. He was honorably discharged in 1975. Shortly thereafter, Kirk moved to California to pursue his educational and career aspirations.
While residing in California, Kirk was employed as a Logistics Technician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. In 1987, he returned to Columbia, Missouri, where he continued working but found his greatest fulfillment through volunteer service. Kirk devoted himself to supporting local churches and health, educational, veterans, and civic organizations. He deeply believed in giving back and lived his life in service to his community.
In 2019, Kirk participated in the Honor Flight for Veterans. Upon returning from Washington, D.C., he proudly marched in the Salute to the Veterans Procession as his name was announced-an honor he cherished deeply.
Surviving Kirk are his Wife Stephanie, Sisters: Mary Bush, Glenda Kinney, Claudette Branham, Emma Lawson, Jennifer Branham, and Sereatha Branham, Brother Paul Branham, Aunts: Mary Frances (Raymond, Sr.) Nunnelly and Delois Evans-Yocum, Nephews: Sherman Brown III, and Aaron (Rev. Angela) Williams, Niece Rickea Bacon, Cousin Eric (Janice) Monroe, Brother In Law Steven (Connie) Gordon, and Special Friend Zammone (Elizabeth) Lasker who first began Kirk's nickname of "Bossman" and the many Cousins, Nieces, Nephews and Friends.
A special thank you to all the Men of Noble Spirit who touched Kirk's life in a meaningful way.
A special thank you to all the medical professionals, social workers, and counselors who gave expert care and demonstrated compassion during Kirk's time of illness.
Both Parents, 2 Aunts, 1 Uncle, 1 brother, 2 Sisters, 2 Nephews, 2 Nieces and 1 Great Niece preceded Kirk before his Transition.
A visitation will be held for Kirk on Wednesday, January 28th at Parker-Millard funeral home in
Columbia at 11am with the service following immediately after at 12pm.
Memorial donations are suggested to:
Daniel Boone Regional Library Foundation
P.O. Box 7113
Columbia, MO 65205
Ph: (573) 817-7023
Fifth Street Christian Church
Feed The Community
P.O. 7695
Columbia MO
Ph: (573) 442-7713
NAMI Missouri
3405 W. Truman Blvd. #102
Jefferson City, MO 65109
Ph: 800-374-2138
Website: www.namimissouri.org
Welcome Home
A Community For Veterans
2120 Business Loop 70 East
Columbia, MO 65201
Ph: (573)449-5080
Website: www.WelcomeVeterans.org
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 East Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com