NORTH VERNON
Ralph William “Bill” Branham, 89, of North Vernon, IN passed away on December 30, 2023 at Lutheran Community Home in Seymour, IN, just 16 days shy of his 90th birthday. Bill was born January 15, 1934 in Jennings County, IN to George and Lela (Greer) Branham. On January 14, 1956, he married Pauline Hughes, from Vevay, IN. Bill was a man who learned many trades over the years and spent much of his life as a heavy equipment operator, retiring from Dave O’Mara Contractors. Bill was a veteran of the US Air Force, serving overseas in England as an airplane mechanic. He was also active in the Vernon Township Volunteer Fire Department in Vernon, IN, serving in various roles, including Fire Chief. In addition, he was a key member of the North Vernon Lions Club for many years. His hobbies included woodworking, gardening, and canning.
Bill is survived by his three daughters and their spouses: Deborah Kuntz (Jeff) and Linda Corum (Rick) of North Vernon, and Teresa Poole (Greg Jones) of Seymour. He had six grandchildren: Chrystal Hammond (Brandon), Aaron Poole (Rhyanna), Christopher Kuntz, Samantha Low (Trent), Andrew Poole (Melissa Conner), and Sandra Myers (Eric). In addition, he had six great-grandchildren: Sarah Poole, Gavin Low, Hayden Low, Easton Low, Colton Poole, and Rowan Myers.
He also is survived by his sister, Marie Mousa, brother John Robert “Bob” Branham, and brother-in-law Dan Hughes (Lynn), plus many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, sisters Mary Derringer and Eva Hess, brothers-in-law, Billy Hughes and Jim Hughes.
His home in North Vernon he built himself, including all the buildings for his farm. He loved his home that he provided for his family and was an excellent provider all this life. Bill never did anything small, including the 20 foot swing set in his front yard enjoyed by his children, nieces, nephews, neighbor kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Bill will be on Wednesday, January 3rd, at 11am with Pastor Dan Corbin officiating. Visitation for Bill will be Tuesday, January 2nd from 4pm to 7pm. All at Sawyer Pickett Funeral Home at 115 S. State St. in North Vernon. Burial and military graveside rites will follow the funeral services at Vernon Cemetery.
Bill’s family would like to thank the following for wonderful care over the years: Dr. John Fye and staff at Family Medical Center, Dr. Ryan Daly and Dr. David Kovacich of Indiana Heart Physicians, and the staff at Lutheran Community Home’s Assisted Living and Nursing wing. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Vernon Township Volunteer Fire Department in Vernon, IN via Sawyer Pickett Funeral Home.