Wayne Bernard Branson

Wayne Bernard Branson, 94, of Shelbyville, passed away Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at Walker Place in Shelbyville. He was born November 23, 1922, in Shelby County, the son of Leonidas and Lucille P. (Jones) Branson. On October 10, 1948, he married Avonelle Theobald, and she preceded him in death on January 29, 2007. Wayne is survived by his daughter, Mary Lou Stickford and husband, Calvin, of Shelbyville; grandchildren, Shannon Ammerman and husband, Ben, and their children, Miles, Nick, Hank and Marloe, of New Palestine, Ryan Stickford and wife, Dyna, and their son, Evan, of Lawrenceburg, and Nathan A. Stickford and wife, Amber, and their sons, Calan and Eastin; special friend, Marie Pile of Shelbyville; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by sisters, Ollie, Icie and Elmetta; brothers, Claude, Floyd, Robert, Charles and Frank. Wayne graduated from Fairland High School in 1941 and continued his education at Indiana University Extension for two semesters. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during World War II, in the South Pacific and Phillipines on the Anti-Aircraft unit. Wayne was a member of First United Methodist Church in Shelbyville and Shelby County Farm Bureau. He was a farmer, he felt that he was lucky to be able to work his entire life doing something he loved. Wayne’s lifelong hobbies included driving, eating out and watching Indiana University basketball. Visitation will be from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, July 8, 2017 at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Funeral services will be at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with Rev. Robert Campbell officiating. Interment will be at Miller Cemetery in Shelbyville. The family would to give a special “Thank you” to the staff of Walker Place for the excellent and loving care he received. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 34 W. Washington St., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.