Louis M Branning's Obituary
Rev. Louis "Lou" Branning, 93, completed his Lord's service here on earth and entered Heaven to reunite with his loving wife Evelyn on May 30, 2014. Born Nov. 19, 1920, he was a millwright and played semi-professional (industrial league) baseball in the mid-30's to 1942 in Ft. Wayne, Ind.; was a World War II veteran on PT boats in the south Pacific in '42-'45. Attending school through the 8th grade and being the oldest of six children during the depression, he worked many different jobs to help support the family. Playing baseball at the age of 15, he could play every position. After discharge from the Navy, he worked for Buelah Mfg. in Chicago, Illinois before heeding the call from the Lord while overseas to enter in the ministry. Using the GI Bill, he graduated from Central College in Pella, Iowa in 2-1/2 years (1950) with a double major in theology and philosophy. Lou also excelled in history and geography, a love that he passed down to his children. He graduated from Western Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church in America in 1953. He served as pastor of Ebenezer Ref. Church in Oregon, Illinois from 1953 to '58; First Ref. Church of Cedar Grove, WI from 1958 to '68; Beverly Ref. Church in Wyoming, MI from 1968 to '76; and 4th Ref. Church in Kalamazoo, MI from 1976 until retiring in Oct., 1982 and moved to Bradenton, FL. Lou worked for Scotty's Hardware and a wide assortment of jobs in Bradenton, retiring again as chaplain for Westminster Presbyterian Manor in Bradenton in 2005. In addition to enjoying life with his wife, children and grandchildren in Bradenton, he also enjoyed his favorite pastime - golf. He lived an anointed life, both in ministry and on the golf course, registering three "Holes in One" and rarely hit into the woods, somehow managing to hit a tree and bounce back into the fairway. Lou's zest for life in serving and praising the Lord Jesus Christ His Savior was especially evident in his everyday life, encouraging his Sunday School class and encouraging the ministerial team at Bethel Baptist Church in Bradenton. He was an accomplished author of over 350 Bible Studies ranging from a page to over 75 pages, all handwritten. He loved to sing his favorite hymns at the top of his voice, regardless of which key it was in. Predeceased by his loving wife Evelyn (nee Bos) of 65 years in 2008, Rev. Branning is survived by his children: Donna Rahnenfuhrer of Bradenton, Joy (Charles) Steffen of Cortez, CO and Louis David Branning VI (Marilyn) Branning of Bradenton; grandchildren Dustin (Bernadette) Dalman of Cortez, CO and David, Lauren and Mathew Branning of Bradenton; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation is Thursday, June 5th at 10:00 am in Bethel Baptist Church, 1805 30th Avenue West in Bradenton, FL with a Celebration of His Life at 11:00 am, followed by internment at Skyway Memorial Gardens cemetery in Palmetto, FL.
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