Dale Gene Branson, age 80 of Zephyrhills, Florida and Pisgah Forest, NC went to be with his Savior March 3, 2021. He was born May 30, 1940 in Maryville, MO, the son of Raymond Hadley Branson and Stella Rumery Branson. He graduated from Central High School in 1958 and then went on to study at Southwest Missouri State College. In 1960 he was a square dancer with The Promenaders on the Ozark Jubilee with Red Foley. He entered the Army in 1963 where he was a draftsman stationed in Vicenza Italy. On September 30th, 1967 Dale married Trudy Elaine Schmidt, together they had 3 children. He later became a business owner where he did periodical sales and later enjoyed working in home maintenance.

In his free time, Dale enjoyed coin collecting, refinishing furniture, watching football (Buccaneers, Chiefs, Panthers) and baseball (Royals and Rays) and watching his grandkids sports & events. Over his lifetime he was a member and served the Lord in many capacities in several churches and most recently was a member of Pisgah Forest Baptist Church in NC. Dale was described as a kind, selfless, loving, patient, an eternal optimist and peacemaker. He loved his family more than anything and was a wonderful husband, father, brother, Papa, great GrandPapa, uncle and friend. In his last days he said that his greatest wish is that all his family come to know the Lord. His final words on this earth were: "It's an exciting day!" He knew he would be with his savior soon. Some other sayings he was known for were: "God has always been in control and will always be in control". "It will all work out". He would leave voicemails for his daughters saying "Hey, it's your Daddy, just calling to see how you're doing, call me back". When his daughters would do something for him, he would tell them "You're going to make someone a good little housewife one day". He died from metastatic esophageal cancer.

Preceding him in death were his parents and his siblings: Mary, Lelia, Charlot and Raymond Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years Trudy; sister Sue Branson; daughter Kelly Conrad married to Royal William Conrad Jr.; Sheri Place married to Don Place; Carrie Lenze married to George Lenze; 3 step-children: Triny Dawson married to Bob Dawson; Randy Strusinski and Tracy Matuska. He had 8 Grandchildren: Megan Place Santiago married to Jean Santiago, Mickenzie Conrad, Michaela Lenze, Logan Place, Grant Conrad, Hannah Lenze, Drew Lenze and Sydney Conrad. He had 5 step grandchildren: Erin Matuska, Jessie Hensley, Tori Hensley, Macey Matuska and Nick Matuska. He had 2 great grandchildren: Liliana Place and Levi Santiago. He had 8 step-great grandkids.

His earthly body will be laid to rest March 8, 2021 at the National Veterans Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. His soul is in Heaven with his Lord. He will be greatly missed but we know we will be reunited with him one day.