Michael Clayton Branan

Michael Clayton Branan, age 63, of Peoria, passed away at 2:25 am on September 19, 2025, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center surrounded by family and loved ones.

Michael was born May 17, 1962 in Fort Worth, TX, the son to Thomas D. and Elise (Johnston) Branan. He was educated in Peoria, graduating from Woodruff High School with the Class of 1980. After high school he honorably served in the United States Marine Corps. On November 9, 1991 he married the love of his life, Jo Fuchs, and together they would cherish 33 years. Michael worked in maintenance most of his life beginning with 16 years at Heartland Parking and finishing with 17 1/2 years at Walmart on Allen Road.

Michael was a man who never knew a stranger. Whether you met him in line at the grocery store, or crossed his path for only a moment, you walked away feeling like you'd known him your whole life. Michael didn't chase wealth, titles, or accolades. He chased opportunities to serve. A neighbor in need? Michael showed up with tools in hand and a heart wide open. Michael's life was a daily act of generosity.

He lived selflessly, giving 100 percent of himself every single day. He believed that if you had two hands and a good heart, you had everything you needed to make a difference. And he did-quietly, consistently, and without expectation of praise.

Michael had a smile that could light up a room. He had a gift for making people feel better just by being near him, a quality that can't be taught-only lived. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and great-uncle who cherished his family, was deeply loved and will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his loving wife Jo Branan of Peoria; three children: Dan (Marianne) Taylor of Washington, Jennifer Stahler of Peoria, Kevin Taylor of Pekin; three grandchildren: Noah (Sarah) Taylor, Zac Stahler, and Chloe (Jonah Zigler-Harris) Taylor; one sister Joy Lynn (Keith) Flatt of East Peoria; two nieces: Toni (Rick) Beer, Samantha ( Fiancé Jason Schitzinger) Flatt; one great niece Elyssa Beer; and great nephew Jackson Beer.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents and adopted brother Paul James Branan.

Visitation will be held at Wright & Salmon Mortuary on September 24, 2025 between the hours of 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at Wirght & Salmon Mortuary on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 10:00 AM with an additional visitation one hour prior to services. Pastor Bob DeBolt will officiate, and cremation rites will be accorded following services.

Friends and family are encouraged to log onto www.wrightandsalmon.com to sign the online guestbook, submit photos and share Michael's memorial page via social media.

Funeral arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Wright & Salmon Mortuary. (309-688-4441)