Mr. F. Paul Branch, Sr., 87, of Poplar Bluffs, Missouri, formerly of London Mills, Illinois passed away at 7:05 a.m. Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at Allure of Knox County, Galesburg, Illinois.
He was born January 30, 1936, in Alamo, Tennessee to Fletcher Paul and Lottie Maxine (Holt) Branch. He married A. Sharlene Ford on December 22, 1958, in Lewistown, Illinois. She preceded him in death on November 8, 2022.
Surviving are his children, Tanya (and Carl) Brown of Wapello, Iowa, Mark (and Janet) Branch of Fairfield, Iowa, F. Paul (and Debbie) Branch, Jr. of Florida and Terry (and Susan) Branch of Florida; a sister, Patricia (and Ernie) Woodruff of Abingdon, Illinois; 10 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents and a great-great grandchild.
He lived in London Mills for several years and later in Poplar Bluff, Missouri before moving in with his granddaughter to Rio. He grew up in Tennessee and later served in the United States Army. From 1964 to 1976 he owned and operated B&B Auto in London Mills. After the close of the body shop, he and his wife, Sharlene, drove across the countryside as a semi driving team. He later drove a school bus for the Spoon River Valley and Abingdon School Districts. He attended the Coal Creek Bible Church near London Mills. Paul enjoyed playing dice games and watching old Western movies and television shows on the Grit Chanel. His favorite was John Wayne movies and music by Elvis Presley.
As Paul requested, cremation will be accorded. His family will celebrate his life privately. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel is assisting with cremation arrangements. Memorials may be made to OSF Hospice in care of Carla Yeast, PO Box 17, Rio, IL 61472. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
