Glenn Branson, 90, of Gibson City and formerly of Brookfield, died Feb. 11, 2012 at Heritage Manor Nursing Home.
Mr. Branson was born Jan. 2, 1922 in Decatur to Clarence O. and Faye M. (nee Jones) Branson. He attended school in Decatur, graduating from Decatur High School in 1940. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942 until his discharge in 1945, serving in the southwest Pacific in New Guinea and the Philippine Islands. He received four Bronze Stars for his actions.
On April 5, 1947 he married Azalea Jane Perry in Saybrook and graduated from Millikin University in 1948 and later received a master’s degree in American history from the University of Illinois.
From 1948 to 1957 Mr. Branson taught at Marseilles High School and coached the junior high basketball and track teams. Two of his basketball teams finished second and third in state tournaments. His track team won the state heavyweight meet.
The Bransons moved to Brookfield in 1958, and Mr. Branson began a long career teaching history at Riverside-Brookfield High School, retiring in 1979.
After retiring Mr. Branson and his wife moved to Missouri. After his wife’s death in 1994, he moved to Galva and then to Gibson City.
Mr. Branson is survived by his son, Van Branson, of Duluth, Minn., and his brother, Robert Branson of North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his son, Mark.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 3 at 11 a.m. at Lamb Funeral Home, 303 N. Church St. in Gibson City. Visitation will be for an hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Saybrook, with military rites by the Lee Lowery American Legion Post 568 or Gibson City.
Memorial donations are appreciated to the First Christian Church, 112 W. 12th St., Gibson City, Ill. 60936.
This article has been updated to correct the date Mr. Branson retired from Riverside-Brookfield High School.
