Jerry L. Branch, 72
Jerry was born on Dec. 21, 1933, to Ida Margaret and Elmer Loyd Branch. He grew up in Enumclaw, Wash. His youth was spent enjoying the outdoors and mischief with older brother, Marvin and younger sister, Mavis. He spent many hours on his horse, Peanuts, playing his harmonica while exploring the woods. His father instilled in him a strong work ethic while he worked for the family logging company.
As a young adult, he served his country as a Naval air traffic controller during the Korean War. He returned home to marry his high school sweetheart, Sylvia Blaker.
While starting his family, he pursued his dreams of becoming a geologist, graduating with a master's degree from the University of Washington in 1958. His career took him on an adventure that included working for Humble Oil Company in Texas and becoming a candidate for NASA during the Apollo Program. He always dreamed of becoming an independent oil and gas producer and when his 'tie wouldn't tie' one morning, he abruptly left the corporate world, packed up his pregnant wife, three kids and began a journey that took him to Shelby in 1965.
He was a consulting geologist while he and his wife started Branch Oil and Gas Company. He was an extremely hardworking man and during the lean times, worked in the oil patches in the Yukon Territory, often during subzero winter. He also worked for the Strategic Air Command, going across the United States and mapping sites for the MX Missile System.
Through his extensive research and mapping skills, he was able to build the business to become one of the top independent natural gas producers in the State of Montana.
Jerry shared his love of the outdoors, traveling, camping, hunting, fishing, and exploring the San Juan Islands (Washington) with his wife, Cindy. He passed this love as well as the importance of family values, education, hard work and being a good steward of the land on to his children and grandchildren.
On July 8, 2006, 'the Lord called Jerry home.'
He was preceded in death by his father, mother and his first wife, Sylvia, and her parents.
Survivors include his wife, Cindy (Dills) of Columbia Falls; daughters, Shelby and Shawn Akane of Seeley Lake, Jeni and Dan Frank of Whitefish, and Valenna and Jim Becker of Shelby; and son, Colby and Jill Branch of Billings. He is also survived by 11 treasured grandchildren; brother, Marvin and Joyce Branch of Enumclaw, Wash., and a sister, Mavis and Dick Scott of Thompson Falls; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 15, at the United Methodist Church in Shelby. Pastor Dolly Collins will officiate.
An additional service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 17, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Columbia Falls. Pastor Terry Forke will officiate.
Memorials are suggested to the Montana Hope Project for the Terminally Ill Children. Montana Hope Project, P.O. Box 5927, Helena, Montana 59604.
Jerry's personality was larger than life to those who loved him. He and his sense of humor will be missed greatly, but we thank the Lord for giving us such a wonderful husband, father and friend.