Philip Vernon Branham, age 85, passed away after a long illness on Wednesday the 15th of May 2019 at home surrounded by his family. A lifelong resident of Houston, Philip was the youngest of six children born to Raymond and Roena Branham on the 26th of January 1934. On the 5th of September 1955, he married Barbara Ann Kalifey and was blessed with four children.
Philip was a devoted husband, father, grandfather (Paw paw), great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was gentle, kind, patient, always giving of himself, and strong in his faith. He will be greatly missed every day.
Growing up, Philip attended Annunciation Catholic School, and he was an altar server at Annunciation Catholic Church into adulthood. He graduated from St. Thomas High School in 1953 and attended the University of Houston. He enjoyed traveling and spending time boating, fishing, and crabbing in Galveston Bay. Philip was a member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church for 42 years. He was also a member of the Houston Board of Realtors and retired from Marathon Oil Company.
Philip is preceded in death by his parents; brother Raymond Branham, Jr.; and sisters Margaret Bales, Barbara Branham, and Betty Branham. Philip is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara; sister Mary Ann Ellis; three daughters Debbie Williamson and husband Dennis, Susan Parker and husband Mike, Karen Kurt and husband Paul; son Michael Branham; grandchildren Amelia Smith and husband Kenneth, David Williamson and wife Elizabeth, Michael Kurt and wife Alisha, Adele Brunson and husband Parker, Christina Kurt, Kathryn Parker, Daniel Parker, Michael Branham, Andrew Branham, and Christopher Branham; great grandchildren James, Lucas, and Ryan Smith and Kaitlyn Kurt; and a number of nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank the home hospice staff, especially Sheretha Daniels, for the many years of excellent care they provided.
Visitation with the family will be held from five o’clock in the afternoon until eight o’clock in the evening on Monday, the 20th of May in The Hunters Creek Chapel at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024, where recitation of the holy rosary is to commence at seven o’clock.
Mass of Christian Burial is to be offered at half past ten o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 21st of May, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston, TX 77079.
The Rite of Committal is to follow, via escorted cortege, at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery in Houston. His six grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
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