Micheal “Mike” Ray Branson, 75, passed away on December 8, 2018 in Mesa, AZ.
He was born in Carthage, MO., February 24, 1943, to Loren and Maxine Branson.
Mike married Betty June Whittenburg on May 1, 1959, in Miami, OK. His beloved wife Betty preceded him in death on February 23, 2012, in Florence, OR.
He married his second wife Glenda Frazier Hart on September 8, 2013, in Florence, OR.
Mike lived in Carthage and surrounding area from birth to adulthood. He still has family members and friends in the local area. He moved to California with his young family and worked construction until he retired in 1998. He moved to Florence, OR upon his retirement and had been living there for the past 20 years. Recently, he was enjoying life traveling between Florence, OR and Mesa, AZ and spending the Spring in Kona and Honolulu, Hawaii.
Mike enjoyed everything vehicle related from racing cars in his early years, being an auto mechanic, watching every NASCAR series he could and buying classic cars to restore and show at car events.
He is survived by his second wife Glenda; his son Mark “Billy William” and wife Beth; his son Daniel “Danny Ray”; his daughter Nanci “Sissy” and husband David; and his daughter Rachel “Diane” and husband Mel; 12 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and his beloved dachshund Maggie Mae.
He was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was the best friend to all who knew him and was always willing to help friends in need. He will be greatly missed by all.
Mike’s family is respecting his wishes for a private family memorial. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in his name be made to the Dachshund Rescue of North American @ http://drna.org/
