Joseph Laverne Branch

Joseph Laverne Branch, 82, of Kokomo, passed away at 8:05 AM Thursday January 26, 2017 at St. Vincent Hospital, Kokomo. Born August 1, 1934 in Kokomo, he was the son of the late William Laverne Branch and Dollis Arlene (James) Branch. On January 1, 1955 in Kokomo, he married Patty Ann Bitner. She preceded him in death on December 5, 2002. He was employed with Haynes International for over 30 years; also worked for Acru-line and Tate Industries. He was a member of Highland Park Church. He loved mathematics, working on computers, and woodworking.

Survivors include three sons Joseph Laverne Branch II of Austin, TX, Jacob Andrew (Sara) Branch and James William (Samantha) Branch, both of Kokomo; three daughters Joan Claire Branch of Kokomo, Kimmie Elaine Wooten of Peru, and Kathleen Anne Smith of Kokomo; two sisters Deborah Diane Branch and Christy Roseanne Clark, both of Kokomo; two sisters-in-law Jean Elizabeth Hughes and Connie Sue Cardwell, both of Oceanside, California. There are also 11 grandchildren Carrie, Anna, Jesse, Justin, Cassie, Amy, Austin, Malachi, Owen, Emma and Gavin; 10 great grandchildren Krystal, Bryanna, Josiah, Cally, Danyelle, Delaney, Grant, Jasper, Lively, and Roman and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and one sister Onda Morris.

Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at Ellers Mortuary Main Street Chapel, 725 South Main Street, Kokomo. Pastor Ed Vasicek will officiate. Burial will follow at Crown Point Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Tuesday at the mortuary. Memorials may be directed to Highland Park Church with envelopes available at the mortuary.