BRANCH

Altus Abner Branch, 84, died at 5:20 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19, 2013, at his home in Pine.

He was born Oct. 1, 1930, and he was a retired tugboat captain with American Commercial Barge Lines in New Orleans. He was a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Korean War. A longtime member of Pine Missionary Baptist Church, he loved fishing and enjoyed watching sports and going to the games of his son and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mertie Von Gerald Branch of Pine; two sons and daughters-in-law, Ricky and Cindy Branch of West Monroe and Reggie and Jenny Branch of Angie; five grandchildren and spouses, Angela and John Gullatt, Krissy and Jason Brunn, Aaron and Meridith Branch, Jason and Amanda Branch and Justin Branch and Jenna Stephens; nine great-grandchildren, John Bailey, Kinsley, Brooks, Maddox, Maverick, Caroline, Lilly Marie, Camryn and Damien, and expected grandchild, Kane; a brother and sister-in-law, Ralph and Betty Branch of Bogalusa; a sister, Vickie Creel of Franklinton; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Levi Branch and Dollie Erwin Branch; two brothers, Albert Branch and Charles Branch; and four sisters, Gladys Sartin, Ruby Crain, Bonnie Gerald and Margie Dobson.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, Aug. 21 at Pine Missionary Baptist Church from 5-9 p.m., and will continue on Thursday from 9 a.m. until time for the funeral service at 11 a.m., with Bro. Brent King, Bro. Richard Magee and Bro. Clyde Cooper officiating. Burial will follow in the New Gerald Cemetery.

Crain Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Obituaries can be viewed online at www.crainfh.com.