Earl G. Branham

Retired Fernald Labor Leader

My husband, Gene Branham, passed away in the early hours on March 9, 2015. The last words he heard were "I love you" from family members.

Gene was an extraordinary man. You either strongly disliked him or you loved him. There was seldom an in between.

For us, he was the best of everything. His love was deep for his son Earl Gene Branham II and his family Pat, granddaughter Jennifer and grandson, Jeffery. He loved his step children, David Gingerich, wife Vicki, grandson Joey and great-grandson Jackson. Cathy (Gingerich) Grech, husband Anthony, grandchildren Erica, Stephanie and Anthony II. Chris Gingerich, wife Lori and grandchildren Burton, Alaina, Elias, Ethan, Kayla, Angela, Rebecca and Katy. Kimberly (Gingerich) Grimes, husband Stephen, grandchildren Jeremy, Rachael and Michael. Let us not forget his three-year-old great-grandson Bentley, who would make regular visits to play ball with his "Poppy".

The fight of his life began 10 years ago when first diagnosed with lung cancer. Years later, he developed pancreatic cancer. Despite the odds handed to him, being the fighter he was, he looked at his surgeon and said "Game on". Within five years, his cancer returned, but he was not willing to give up. By then, we were now known as "Team Branham".

Despite his weakness and fatigue, he continued to fight. He was not ready to throw the last pitch of the game. One of the hardest things a family can do is give over their loved one to God. Funny, how we can be selfish like that. We want to hold on as long as we can. On March 9th, in the final inning, he rounded third base and headed for home...Game called.

In death, Gene is reunited with his parents Earl and Texas Branham and his best friend, his brother Buddy Thomas "Pete" Branham. He leaves behind his wife of 26 years, Lois J. Burton Branham and his beloved pets, Spud and Frank.

The Branham Family Requests, in lieu of flowers, that donations be sent to his hometown: The Wayland Historical Society, 2662 "King" Kelly Coleman Hwy, PO Box 349, Wayland, Kentucky 41666-0349. www.ivey-rosehill.com