John Williams Branch IV

John was born to John W. and Louise Conn Branch in Columbus, Ohio (Ohio State University Hospital) on December 20, 1938. He spent his childhood years on the North Shore of Chicago. He graduated from Riverside Poly High School in Riverside, California in 1957 and attended the University of California (at Riverside) for a short time before joining the U.S. Navy. The Navy sent him to school, and he spent most of his time working for the National Security Agency.

While stationed in the Washington D.C. area, John met an Oregonian, Frances M. Swiener (USN). They were married on June 17, 1961, and later moved to Oregon. They had (and raised) four children, and were divorced on April 9, 2004.

John's professional life in finance and banking began with the Credit Bureau of Eugene as a Collector; then with Laurentide Finance as a Branch Manager (Salem) and later First National Bank of Oregon on July 25, 1966. His specialty was Consumer Finance, and his Oregon banking assignments took him to Salem, Albany, Medford, Eugene, Astoria, Salem again, and Portland. He retired from First Interstate Bank (now Wells Fargo) September 1, 1994.

Over the past 30 years, John has been a Lector and Eucharistic Minister in the Catholic Church. On September 18, 2008, he became an Oblate at Mt. Angel Abbey, connecting him to the Monks in Prayer and Good Works.

Faith in God; Love and Dedication to Family and Service to Humanity were the meaning and purpose of John's life. During his banking career, he was presented with the Ralph J. Voss Civic Leadership award in recognition and appreciation for tireless efforts, and consistent civic leadership exemplifying the Community Spirit, and involvement of First Interstate Bank. Among his many activities, John was one of the founders of the Salem Outreach Shelter; and was President/Chairperson of the Boys and Girls Club of Salem; Salem Social Service Commission; Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Mid-Willamette Valley; United Way of Clatsop County; Astoria Lions Club; Clatsop County Mental Health Council. He was also a Past Director of the United Way of Oregon; The Mental Health Association of Oregon; and The National Foundation, Consumer Credit Counseling Services.

John is survived by his four children; Sons: Donald D., Todd M., Jeff L., all of Salem; and daughter: Lisa R. of Cornelius; along with 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren and his sister Julia Henry of Rock Port, Maine.

Visitation will take place from 2:30pm to 4:30pm on November 11, 2026 at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Catholic Church in Mt. Angel at 11:00am on November 12, 2026. A Committal Service will be held at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.

Remembrances may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Salem. 1395 Summer St., NE Salem, Oregon 97303. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.