Benny Branch Obituary

Benjamin (Benny) Richlieu Branch, local pool legend and co-owner of Branch's Heating & Air, passed away at the age of 76 from heart complications at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital in Oklahoma City on April 23rd, 2023. Benny was born on July 18th, 1946 in Guthrie, OK to Clarence and Ethel Branch. Benny was a fiercely competitive pool player, a talent he discovered and honed while working as a rack boy at the Vencedora pool hall. Benny shared his love of pool with anyone around him and was always generous with his time to teach and answer questions for people learning the game. Benny had an incredibly charitable heart and was always willing to help anyone in any way possible. His colorful life provided him with an immense treasure trove of stories and anecdotes that he was always all too eager to share with his big smile and infectious laughter. His second passion in life was his business, which he started with his older brother Charles Branch in 1979. Benny and his brother worked tirelessly to ensure anyone who called could count on them to fix their air conditioning or heating. In most cases, this meant sacrificing their time with their families to help those in need. Benny retired in 2015 to finally enjoy some much-needed time away from the day-to-day operations of his busy business and to spend more time with his loving wife and children. Benny was preceded in death by his parents, his son John Dustin Branch, his brother Vernon Branch, sister Carolyn Hall, sister Norma Phillips, brother Lester Branch, and sister Mary Jo Stockwell. Benny is survived by his wife Debra (Debbie) Branch of Guthrie, daughter Marissa Branch of Guthrie, son Benjamin Branch and wife Kimberly of Guthrie, son James Preston III and grandchildren Cooper Preston and Millie Preston of Guthrie, and five siblings Clarence Branch, Janis Hunt, Charles Branch, Judy Thomas, and Joyce Hunt. Funeral services will be held at the First Southern Baptist Church (202 E. Noble Ave. , Guthrie, OK 73044) at 12:00 on Saturday, April 29, 2023. Burial will follow at Summit View Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9 A. M. to 7 P. M on Thursday, April 27, 2023 and 9 A. M. to 7 P. M. on Friday, April 28, 2023.