Dennis E. Branham

Dennis was born in Kayford, WV, one of eight children of the late Willie Branham and Cora (Artis) Branham. He spent his childhood school years in Dawes, WV and attended high school in Ohio.

Dennis was a devoted American and served his country in the US Air Force from 1948 until 1952, specializing in Aerial Photomapping as part of the 28th Recon Tech Squadron. He also represented the Lowry Air Force Base on their boxing and track teams, where he ran his first sub-five-minute mile at 4 min. and 39 secs.

While on leave, Dennis met the love of his life, Frances Rogers, at a church picnic. The minister’s wife paired them up to bob for apples. This led to a courtship, and after earning the approval of Frances’ parents (and her ten siblings!), they were married on April 7, 1951.

Dennis was an enthusiastic and essential part of the 20th-century space program. After working in the coal mines of West Virginia and uranium mines of New Mexico, he was inspired by John F. Kennedy’s 1961 speech to put a man on the moon. Dennis moved his family to Florida and worked at Kennedy Space Center for 30 years (1965 to 1996). He was an Electrical Technician on Launch Support for every Apollo mission (Launch Control Center, Launch Pads A and B) as well as the first 77 shuttle missions supporting shuttle landing light systems in the US, Spain, and Senegal.

Dennis was a committed athlete and world-class Masters runner. He ran 22 marathons including six Boston Marathons (2hr 46min) and at the age of 85, Dennis ranked #1 in the world in the 85-89 age group for the 800 and 1500 Meters. In 2011, he was inducted into the New England 65+ Runner's Club Hall of Fame.

Most of all, Dennis loved family—his “clan.” He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 74 years Frances (Rogers) Branham; three children—Denise Acerra [Steve], Randal Branham, and Joan Branham [Gary Glassman]; three grandchildren—Nathan Danus [Jenny], Audra Danus [Abel], and Manya Branham Glassman; great granddaughter Amelia Frances Falk, and her cousin, Carmella Barrett. Dennis is also survived by his sister Connie Sue Barnett Marshall.

In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by six siblings: Eula (Branham) Baughman, Howard Branham, Claude Branham, Kathleen (Branham) Kidd, Neil Branham, and Bonnie (Branham) Parish.

May his memory be a blessing.

Dennis enjoyed workouts and training with members of the Ronald McDonald House of Providence Running Club. In his memory, donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities here: Rmhprovidence.org

A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025 at 10:00 am in the Historic Chapel at Swan Point Cemetery, 585 Blackstone Blvd., Providence, RI. Burial with military honors will follow.

Those unable to attend services may join via livestream at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81225256088?pwd=V8EwdXbcDgkvnqXUvjzcpHSaSs5Slb.1