Stephen H. Branson

Stephen H. Branson, 62, passed away Saturday, April 19, 2014, at home in bed with his wife. Funeral services will be held at Dengel Son Mortuary, 2:00 P.M., Friday, April 25, 2014. Family will meet with friends at the mortuary from 7:00 to 8:00 P.M., Thursday. Interment Highland Cemetery, Ottawa. Stephen was born on Friday, December 28, 1951 in Ottawa, Kansas, the son of Herbert Francis and Eula Irene (Rice) Branson. He was a lifelong resident of Ottawa, with the exception of five years in Wichita, from 1991 to 1996. He attended school in Elk City, Kansas. On February 17, 2005 Stephen was united in marriage with Megan Hays in Ottawa. She survives of their home. Survivors also include his two daughters, Augusta Gail Bonecutter and Ruby Dawn Branson-Hogelin and husband Shannon all of Baldwin City; three step-sons, Shane Keeney of Eugene, Oregon, Tobias Henderson and fiancé Billie Davidson, and Randy Henderson all of Ottawa; thirteen grandchildren; one great-grandson; brother, Mike Branson of Princeton; two step-sisters, Linda Shaffer of Osawatomie and Terri Pappatheodore of Minnesota; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; twin infant brothers, Michael and Joseph Branson; brother, Johnnie Branson; and step-sister, Billie Jo McGinnis. Most of his life he worked for Ernest Mustain, Sr. as a concrete worker. He was a member of the Breakthrough Club in Wichita. The family suggests memorial contributions to Elizabeth Layton Center c/o Dengel Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. An online Guest Book is available at www.dengelmortuary.com.