Douglas Branch's Obituary
Douglas Gene “Doug” Branch, 86, passed away in Longview, TX on March 17, 2019. He was born in Kaw, Oklahoma on July 11, 1932 to Cramen and Ruth Layne Branch. After graduating from Kaw Schools in 1950, he served in the US Army as a supply clerk at Fort Benning, GA. He attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK from 1956 to 1960, graduating in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology.
In 1961 he moved to Houston, TX to work as a claims rep for the Social Security Administration (SSA). It was at the SSA Houston office that he met Sunny Lee Schulz. Doug and Sunny were married on December 8, 1962. In 1973, Doug and Sunny and their young family moved to Longview, TX, where they raised their children and enjoyed life together. Doug retired from the SSA Longview office in 1991. After retirement, he volunteered for a number of years at the Longview Public Library and at the Gregg County Jail as the “Bookman” bringing books to the jail for the inmates.
Doug is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Sunny Lee Schulz Branch, son Greg Branch and wife Jalena of Longview, TX, daughter Deb Branch and wife Molly of Dallas, TX, grandchildren Madison Branch, Elissa Branch, and Dylan Branch of Longview, TX, granddaughter Hannah Norris of Forney, TX, brother Glenn Branch and wife Julia of Moore, OK, and numerous nephews and nieces.
Doug was preceded in death by his father and mother, Cramen and Ruth Branch of Kaw, Oklahoma, brothers; Bob, Louis, Gary, Martin, and Keith Branch, and sisters; Janet Mahurin and Marilyn Buffalow.
Doug enjoyed music and was an avid sports fan of the Oklahoma State Cowboys, particularly OSU wrestling, which he followed with a passion. He was a loving husband, father, and absolutely adored his grandchildren, attending their events and spending as much time with them as possible.
Doug will be forever missed and in the hearts of his family, and his many friends in Texas, Oklahoma, and Durango, CO, where he has vacationed with his family since he and Sunny married, and had become a part time, summer resident since 2000.
The family would like to thank the entire staff at Good Shepherd Medical Center for their efforts and care during Doug’s stay.
The family will hold a visitation for Doug on Thursday, March 21st at Rader Funeral Home in Longview from 5 to 7 P.M.
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