Chester Branum

DEXTER, Mo. -- Chester B. Branum, 78, of Dexter died Friday, Aug. 9, 2002, at the Beverly Health and Rehabilitation Center in Dexter.

He was born May 26, 1924, at Hornersville, Mo., son of Thomas Jefferson and Alice Hastings Branum. He and Thelma Menley McNeeley were married May 1, 1988, at Dexter.

Branum was a member of the Sugar Tree General Baptist Church and a former custodian at Dexter Senior High School. He was also a veteran of the Navy, having served in World War II.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, Jerry and Deryl Branum, both of Dexter; two brothers, Charles and Tommy Branum, both of Kennett, Mo.; two stepdaughters; three grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters.

Friends may call at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter from 5 to 8 p.m. today.

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Revs. Joe Ogelvie and Everett Hessling officiating. Burial will be in Dexter Cemetery.