BRANCH, Frank Wilson

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Published Thursday, December 1, 2011 - Frank Wilson Branch went to be with his Lord Nov. 29, 2011. He was born on March 14, 1922, in Wainwright, Mo., to Robert Clinton and Neely Odell Branch. In 1942 at the age of 20, Frank enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a boatswain’s mate in the Caribbean and Pacific Theatre. He was honorably discharged in 1943. Frank returned home and attended the Rankin Trade School in St. Louis, Mo., graduating after two years. He then started his own refrigeration business in 1953 in Jefferson City, Mo. While living in Jefferson City, he became a member of the Methodist Church in Wainwright until becoming a member of the First Baptist Church in Jefferson City. In 1969, Frank moved to Lake Havasu City and was proud to have witnessed the construction of the London Bridge and actually had a part in building it. He passed along his knowledge of heating and air conditioning while teaching classes at Mohave Community College. He was a charter member of Calvary Baptist Church in 1973 and most recently a member of Lake Havasu Baptist Church. He was also a lifetime member of the VFW and a member of Post 9401 in Lake Havasu City. Frank is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Helen Maxine Branch; stepchildren, Kenneth G. (Margaret) Craig and Cathy Nell (Ray) Kimmel; grandchildren Lori (Ken) Chapman and Mark (Kristi) Branch; three great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and a brother. Visitation will be Friday, at 10 a.m. at Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Mike Moorhead of Lake Havasu Baptist Church offering words of comfort and reassurance. Burial will follow at Lake Havasu Memorial Gardens with Military Honors rendered by VFW Post 9401 and American Legion Post 81. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to go in Frank’s memory to Hospice of Havasu, PO Box 597, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86405. Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory.