Paul Coke Branson went to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 3, 2016 at the age of 95. The son of Mary (Rushing) and Ben C. Branson, Paul was born December 9, 1920 in Mesa, Arizona. A natural born athlete, Paul was a boxer during his high school days at Phoenix Union High School. He also was known for his excellent handwriting and Mathematics was his favorite subject in school. After graduating from Phoenix Union High School, Paul joined the US Marines in January 1939 and honorably served his country until September 1945. While serving in the US Marines, Paul traveled on the USS Arizona into Pearl Harbor in November 1941 with his Marine Company dispatched to Hickum Field. The day Pearl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese, Paul was hunting and traveling across the school yard when the Japanese aircrafts began flying over and bombing. He and his friend, Ernie began firing some of the first shots of the war. A rifle expert and Pistol Marksman, Paul participated in the battle, skirmishes, and engagements at the Battle of Solomon Islands. Paul loved being a marine and serving his country. He became great friends with the Pearl Harbor Survivors Group in Oklahoma and served one term as President of the Club. After returning from the war, Paul married his first wife Evelyn (Smith) Branson, and they were united in marriage until her passing in 1982. He later married Delores (Cooper) Peck in 1984, and they shared many wonderful years of marriage together as well. After the war, Paul began working for Western Electric as a tool and dye maker. He retired from Western Electric in 1981, after 20 years of dedicated service. When Paul wasn’t working, he was enjoying the outdoors and nature. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, golfer and sports lover throughout his lifetime. A fierce, yet fun competitor, Paul was always enjoying a challenge with his friends, in his hunting and fishing pursuits, whether killing the biggest buck, catching the most fish or having the best score. Paul always owned a boat and more fishing tackle and guns than a person should be allowed. In addition to being a 32nd Degree Mason, Paul also attended Capitol Hill Church of God for more than 20 years. He truly had the love and joy for the Lord in his heart. A man who found the positive and joy in everything, Paul always had a joyful heart, a positive outlook, or a kind word to encourage or motivate a person. He never woke up grumpy and looked to live each day to its fullest. He was such an influential person in every way and left a legacy for all to continue to exemplify. He will be deeply missed.

Paul was preceded in death by his:
Parents;
First Wife, Evelyn Branson;
Two Grandchildren, Marcy Flynn and Douglas Nichols.

Paul leaves behind his loving:
Wife, Delores Branson;
Daughter, Mary Shumake and her husband, Richard;
Four Grandsons, Stephen Brent Chandler, Clinton Craig Chandler, Randall Officer and David Smith;
Two Granddaughters, Diane Ayers and Debra Miller;
Seven Great Grandsons, Curtis Ayers, Christopher Flynn, Bryan Flynn, Alex Flynn, Blake Chandler, Joel Miller and Jacob Miller;
Six Great-Granddaughters, Nicole Ayers, Victoria Chandler, Bethany Chandler, Kate Miller, Miranda Officer, Zoe Officer and Tiffany Davis.

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