1943-2025
Frederick Stephens Branch passed away on June 11, 2025, with his wife by his side.
Private family graveside services will be held at a later date, at the Springside Cemetery, Southeast of Arkansas City, KS. Memorials may be made to Hope In The Valley Equine Rescue and Sanctuary; donations may be left in the care of the Shelley Family Funeral Home.
Born April 24, 1943, at home in Chautauqua County, KS. The son of Gilford Claude Branch and Emma Ernestine Mann. He attended Arkansas High School and was in the Navy. Fred rode bulls and raised and trained horses. Resided in Arkansas City until early 1984, then relocated to Douglass, KS, and married Jean Stewart on March 23, 1985. He retired from General Electric Company in April 2002 after a 40-year career as a welder, and he could weld anything, from jewelry to a replica GE Jet Engine. He worked not only at Strother field, but also traveling the world welding for them.
Survivors include his wife Jean of the home, brother Claude and wife Nila of Winfield, KS, and sister Charlene Wilson and husband Don of Wellington, KS, and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Patricia Thomas of Arkansas City.
