Robert C. Branch Jr.

Robert C. Branch Jr., age 95, of Gravois Mills, Missouri, passed away at his home on January 14, 2026.

Robert, "Bob", or Junior, as he was known by many family members, was born on March 15, 1931, in Mokane, Missouri.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 70 years, Viola Rose Branch, daughter, Diane Ebert and son, Gregory Branch. He is survived by his children, David (Carole) Branch, Nina (Michael) Sykes, Brenda Ashby, Pam (Christine) Branch and Terry Branch, along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Robert enlisted in the U. S. Army at the age of 17 and training spent several years serving in Korea, where he was awarded a Purple Heart. He returned to the U.S. in 1953, and while on leave, married Viola Rose Sandbothe, in Jefferson City, Missouri, on January 2, 1954. They were stationed at Ft. Hood, Texas until his honorable discharge in 1955.

After his military service, they moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where he attended the Kansas City Institute of Technology. Upon completion of a program in Electronics, he moved to Jefferson City to begin his long career in television and sports broadcasting at KRCG-TV.

The family moved to St. Louis, where they resided for about 25 years, before moving permanently to Gravois Mills, where he has resided for the last 41 years. He continued to work, was active in the Volunteer Fire Department, the Gravois Mills VFW, and had many friends throughout the lake area.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 19th, at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Laurie with Celebrant Father John Schmitz. Graveside services and interment with full military honors will follow in Garber Memorial Estates in Laurie. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Monday, at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Wounded Warriors.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel.