Al Branche

Al Branche, age 78 years, a resident of rural Creal Springs, passed away Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at 5:54 AM at Baptist Health in Paducah. Al was born May 2, 1938 in Marion, Illinois. He was the son of Eloy Branche and Pauline (Gold) Branche. Al was united in marriage to Jean (Bullock) Branch on March 23, 1994 in Tennessee. She survives. In addition to his wife, Al is survived by: his children – Marsha (her husband, David) Spelich of Fountain Hills, Arizona, Lee (his wife, Val) Branche of Murphysboro, John (his wife, Toma) Branche of Cypress, and David Branche of Chicago; a step daughter – Cindy Laspesa of Port Townsend, Washington; 6 grandchildren – Josh Branche of Chicago, Danielle Branche of Ovieda, Florida, Nicole Branche, Tony Pistono of Bolivar, Tennessee, Danella (her husband, William) Schroeder of Jenisen, Michigan, and Sarah Laspesa of Chicago; a half sister – Carlin (her husband, Rick) Tippet of Carterville; and his step mother – Betty Branche of Creal Springs. In addition to his parents, Al was preceded in death by: a step daughter – Penelope Ann “Pene” Pistono and 2 sisters – Eloise Ann Bailey and Charlotte. Al was a 1957 graduate of Marion High School. Al was employed by the Illinois Department of Corrections. From April 1963 – February 1987, he was employed at the Stateville Correctional Center. He began working at the Vienna Correctional Center in February 1987. He served as the Assistant Warden of Operations and retired in December 1996. Al was a skilled craftsman. He enjoyed woodworking and building furniture. He had built the home that he and Jean enjoyed in their retirement. Al also enjoyed gardening. A service honoring the life of Al Branche will be conducted Saturday morning, February 25, 2017, at 11 AM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Burial will be in the Vienna Fraternal Cemetery Visitation will be conducted Friday evening, February 24, 2017, from 5 PM – 7 PM at Bailey Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter, 320 East Walnut Street, Suite A, Carbondale, IL 62901 www.alz.org or to the First Baptist Church of Vienna Food Pantry Program, P.O. Box 727, Vienna, IL 62995.

Al Branche

May 2, 1938 - February 21, 2017