J.E. Brannan

J.E. Brannan, 92, passed away into the arms of his Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, August 24, 2015 at Coldwater Manor in Stratford, Texas with his wife of 68 years by his side. Funeral services will be held at the Stratford Church of Christ on Thursday, August 27, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. with Brother Jim York officiating and Dick Davenport assisting. Visitation will be held at Morrison Funeral Home in Stratford from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, August 26. Burial will follow at the Stratford Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Morrison Funeral Directors of Stratford. J.E. Brannan was born on August 28, 1922 in Baylor County, Texas to Thomas Sigsbee and Naomi Brannan. He graduated from Stratford High School in 1941. While in school, J.E. played the guitar and harmonica in a string band called 'Dirty Half Dozen'. After graduation, he attended Draughon's Business College in Lubbock. His college days were interrupted by World War II and J.E. was drafted into the Army January 12, 1943. He was promoted to Corporal and served in Guam, Hawaii and the Gilbert Islands. For his willing service to his country, he was awarded the American Theater Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Trail Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal before being honorably discharged on January 19, 1946. J.E. returned to Stratford where he met and married Mary Ella Robbins on December 22, 1946. They raised three daughters together; Pat, Teresa, and Joy. J.E. worked for Phillips Conoco for 35 years before retiring in 1982. J.E. and his wife Mary were very active members of Stratford Church of Christ for over 60 years. J.E. served as a deacon, song leader and Bible teacher. He was also a member of the American Legion and Scot Hall. He was distinguished as a willing helper and servant to many people throughout Sherman County. He was also an avid fisherman. He was named the 2005 Old Timer's King in Stratford. J.E. is preceded in death by his parents, two grandsons John Michael Naylor and Jody Witten and his sister, Jane Willey. He is survived by his wife Mary, a resident of Coldwater Manor. Additionally, he is survived by Pat Lambert and her husband, Bob, from McPherson, Kansas; Teresa Rambo and her husband, Jim, from Waco, Texas and Joy Naylor and her husband, John from Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is survived by seven grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and eleven great-great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to High Plains Children's Home, PO Box 7445, Amarillo, TX 79114.