Bob Branson Obituary

BOB
BRANSON, 92

AUBURNDALE - Bob Branson passed away Wednesday morning, December 22, 2010 at the Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburndale due to natural causes.
Bob grew up in Flandreau, South Dakota and moved to Winter Haven in 1953. He had two passions in life, flying and music. He was piloting a B-26 bomber over the English Channel on D-day in 1945, had a flying circus in South Dakota, and came to Bartow Air Base in 1953 to teach new Air Force cadets how to fly. Later he served as an FAA Flight Examiner. Bob organized the Winter Haven Pops Orchestra in the 1950's, which later became the nucleus for the Lakeland Symphony, and the Messiah Association of Polk County. He directed Handel's Messiah every Christmas for 53 years. Bob served on the Winter Haven City Commission and was Mayor one year.
Bob leaves behind his wife of 69 years, Marjorie, daughters Penny Simpson and Kay Castonguay, sons Bert and Brian, 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by his son Bob, Jr.
Visitation will be Monday, December 27, 6-8 pm at the Glen Abbey Funeral Home, 2200 K-Ville Avenue. The Funeral service will be at Glen Abbey, Tuesday December 28 at 2:00 pm. A memorial service will be held at Beymer Methodist Church, 700 N Lake Howard Drive on Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 7:00 pm with a reception following. www.ottlaughlinfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Ledger on Dec. 26, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Bob Branson

12 Entries

Carmen Branson Kallelis

December 20, 2021

Another Christmas without Bob Sr. and Bob Jr. and without hearing the Messiah. The grief goes on.

Carmen Kallelis

December 20, 2020

I first met you in 1973. Married your son Bob Jr. in 1974. You and your family and especially Bob Jr. changed my life in such a beautiful and positive way. How can I ever forget you!! Your kindness and wisdom was a great comfort to us. You will always be missed. I am playing your video of one of your last Messiah performances as I do every Christmas season. I ask myself, what did God see in me to make me so fortunate to have been a part of your family? Love always. Carmen Branson Kallelis

Geoffrey Garrett

January 16, 2011

Bob Branson was a sweet, warm, generous and gifted man. I was privileged to play under his baton in the Winter Haven Pops Orchestra from junior high through high school and beyond, dropping in during college vacations to play a rehearsal or two, revisiting old friends. My sister Hannah and I had the delight of playing many Messiah performances under him. When the Light Cavalry Overture came on the radio tonight, I got tears in my eyes as I thought of Bob and all the times I played that piece under him. I am grateful for every moment I got to spend in his company. Bob’s family has my deepest sympathy. Thank you for sharing him with the musical community. Bob made me feel truly at home in his orchestra.

A Klose

December 30, 2010

I have so much respect for Bob for all that he gave back to the Winter Haven community, well after his feats as a true and daring "flyboy", right up to becoming a distinguished nonegenarian. Think about it. He brought music to singers and entertained audiences alike. As a City Commissioner and WH Mayor, he carried out a civic duty representing a cross section of City residents, businesses, and other interests. As a member of the Kiwanis Club, he participated in activities that carry out the Kiwanian mission to serve the children and other needs in our community and the world. In all that, Bob proudly involved his wife Marjorie. Together, they were a blessed couple, sharing humor, humility and their passion with all whom they came in contact. RIP Mister Branson.

Rick Cooper

December 28, 2010

We will miss you greatly.

Diane Buerger

December 28, 2010

Bob was a blessing -- not just to me, but to many others whom I know. Even to those who did not know Bob, his gift of music to the entire Polk County community has been a blessing. I loved to listen to Bob talk about his passion for music and flying. My life has been enriched by knowing Bob.

Macy V Butler

December 28, 2010

I appreciated the opportunity to sing briefly with the Messiah Association and get to know Mr. Branson. He was someone who strived to get the best performances out of the singers and a plesant gentle man to know. I am glad God allowed me to meet and collaborate with this spiritual being in life.

Amber Urias

December 28, 2010

Grandpa was a blessing. Through the eyes of a granddaughter, he was perfect in every way. There are no words for the respect and love I feel for my grandpa. He once told me that death was not scary. He went on to say that it was going to be another wonderful adventure. His words give me comfort now. I give thanks to God for such a wonderful grandpa.

Don Johnson

December 27, 2010

What an awesome gentleman, mentor, and musician. I sung several seasons under Bob's direction for the Messiah - he always had the passion to lead us through another season. My thoughts to his family.

Bobbie Gonzalez

December 27, 2010

It can be so hard to face the new year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.

Carmen Branson

December 27, 2010

Dad...you raised a wonderful family. I was fortunate to have married Bob Jr. and become a part of the Branson clan. So much love, talent, brilliance, friendship, humor, dedication all in one place. You were...and ARE loved. And, dad, Bobby awaits your arrival in Heaven.
Carmen Branson, Gastonia, NC

Mike Smith

December 26, 2010

Bob was a great mentor, friend, and conductor. And more importantly, he is responsible for my having met Amy! Bob hired me as organist at Covenant when he was music director and then said "can you work with the soprano soloist on her Christmas solo?" I remember many great concerts with the community band (sprinklers coming on during concert at the baseball stadium) and Messiah (Bob whistling the first violin part when the violinist got lost). Thanks for everything, Bob.

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