Dean Branscom, 92, passed away September 3, 2022, in Cunningham. He was born April 12, 1930, in Turon, to Roby Jackson Branscom and Alta Marie (Patterson) Branscom.
Dean was a 1950 graduate of Turon High School, Turon. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a member of the Hutchinson Community College (HCC) Quarterback Club, the South Hutchinson United Methodist Church, South Hutchinson, KS, and former 4-H leader.
On October 8, 1950, Dean married the love of his life, Beverly Jeanene Gray, in Turon. They shared over 70 years of marriage, prior to her death on November 10, 2020.
At an early age, Dean worked and hauled cattle with his father. Beginning in the 1950s, he worked as a ranch hand on the Higgins Ranch in Spivey, and worked at the ranch until he was called into the military service. Dean and Beverly treasured their time at the ranch and often shared those special memories with their family. They were blessed to be able to return to the area for several visits on their anniversary date. Upon returning from the military, they moved to Hutchinson where Dean became a foreman for the Gas Service, retiring with over 35 years of service.
During his life, Dean raised cattle, horses, and registered labs trained for hunting that were sent across the United States. His love for animals was passed down to his children and grandchildren. Dean was always there to provide a helping hand with their pets and building projects in 4-H. He was always there to fix whatever needed attention in the home or shop. Dean enjoyed cutting firewood and he loved to mow!
Dean greatly enjoyed the grandchildren’s sporting events, following ball teams across Kansas and from Texas to Wisconsin. Dean was an avid supporter of the HCC Blue Dragons Men’s Basketball program. He delivered meals for the Meals on Wheels program and was the ‘pie delivery man’ for the South Hutchinson United Methodist Church’s fair cafeteria project for many years. A highlight for Dean was in 2018, when he was able to be a member of the Kansas Honor Flight traveling party that went to Washington, D.C., along with his daughter, Kathy.
Dean always had a story to share, a great sense of humor, and a quick-witted response. You always left with a smile after a visit with Dean. His true passion was spending time with his family, whether at family celebrations and gatherings, or sitting in the bleachers with his wife, Beverly, cheering on the activities of their children and grandchildren. He did many things in his life, but the positions that he cherished the most were husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, neighbor, and friend. Dean was loved by so many.
Dean is survived by: his children, Allen Branscom of South Hutchinson, and Kathy (Scott) Hamilton of Turon; grandchildren, Casey Stiggins, Jennifer Shingleton, Allison (Jordan) Marshall, Katie Hamilton, and Conor Hamilton; great-grandchildren, Skylar Shingleton, Clayton Shingleton, Grace Marshall, and Cooper Marshall; sister, Karen Cooley of Hutchinson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dean was preceded in death by: his parents; wife, Beverly; daughter, Shirley Stiggins; and siblings, Fern Fluke, Tommy Branscom, Lois Cline, Margaret Dykes, Bud Branscom, Dorothy Helm, and Richard Branscom.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, September 8, 2022, at Elliott Mortuary, with the Reverend Ronnie Dykes officiating. Burial will follow in the Turon Cemetery, Turon, with military honors to be conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard.
Persons attending the funeral service are encouraged to wear HCC Blue Dragon apparel in honor of Dean’s support of the HCC Blue Dragons. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, September 7, 2022, with the family present from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.